Lessons learned

Thinking about lessons learned from two men whose lives intersected with mine many years ago.  Like others I've taken advantage of this period of self-quarantine and social distancing to peruse a collection of memorabilia that seems to grow exponentially with age.  Today I found this 1984 note from the late Sid Fischman.  A former Board of Estimate & Taxation member, Sid offered his encouragement and support as my mayoral nomination to the same board headed to the City Council for a vote.  I kept this as a reminder of how touched I was by his gesture and my realization of the importance of personal notes.  Not long before leaving Connecticut I told Sid's son Eric about his father's influence on me through this simple kindness.

Earlier this morning I saw this photo of one of my former students in the online media.  I met Ricky in the 1980's when he was in his  20's and he enrolled in a high school equivalency program I facilitated.  At the time he worked as a receptionist at the local hospital. Ricky confidently and quickly completed the competency-based program earning a local high school diploma.  He was a capable and engaging student, demonstrating proficiency in both the basic and life skills required for graduation.  Some months or more later I saw Ricky on the streets of our town.  He was obviously down and out and dealing with stuff.  He greeted me warmly and said he hoped to get his act back together soon.  In subsequent years when I saw Ricky - either in person or through the police blotter - I learned more about his demons, powerfully witnessing the ravages of mental illness and substance abuse on my remarkable student.