Fifteen Days Ago...

Everybody asks, “What can I write about?” Here are some ideas:
1. What experiences have I had recently that made me stop and think?

Fifteen days ago, after settling back into my dorm room on the second floor of McElvaney, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I remembered the lessons I learned during my first semester of college. More importantly, I was excited to begin my next semester with the idea that school was my only concern. I was focused. I was equipped and prepared for everything the academic term could throw at me. I intended to make straight A’s and keep myself disciplined and motivated in an effort to earn my spot in the Cox Business School. There were no distractions as my mind and heart were both at peace. I remember taking a nap Tuesday, January 20^th, 2008. When I woke up, I noticed I had a missed call from my grandmother, Stephanie Christ. She left me a voicemail saying, “I wish you a happy semester and I love you and I’m thinking of you.” Stephanie was always a young grandmother. At 57 years old, she lived down the street from SMU as a caretaker for her 88-year-old father. I come from a large close Greek family and talking openly as a friend with my grandmother was never out of my nature. I called Stephanie back but she never answered. I went to bed and began my classes for the next semester. After a long first day, I came back to my dorm and once again, took a nap. I woke up 2 hours later to the sound of my father telling me over the phone, to sit down because there was something he needed to tell me. Stephanie, while shopping at Super Target, had a seizure, was rushed to Presbyterian hospital and did not make it. Obviously shock and depression have settled in since her sudden departure from this Earth. Less than 4 years ago, her son, my Uncle Charlie, passed away in a fishing accident. His death was one of the hardest obstacles for me to get over. After Stephanie’s funeral, her daughter, my Aunt Tassi, was informed that she would need to undergo an immediate hysterectomy within a week. This week, my mother was diagnosed with disarticulates which required a CATscan. In the CATscan, a 2-inch cyst was discovered on her ovary and aside from being in excruciating pain, she may also have to undergo a hysterectomy. Meanwhile, my father is dealing with finding a place for Stephanie’s father, settling her assets, helping his sister and wife deal with their painful conditions as well as emotionally staying strong as he remembers his young step-mother and accepting her premature death. In fifteen days, my single concern, school, has become just one of many. In fifteen days, my peaceful mind has gone and left me a sleepless mess. Emotionally, I suffer every time I have a chance to think about what’s going on just a couple blocks away from SMU. Physically, I have lost weight and stopped working out. Mentally, I feel as if my writing level has dropped to that of a 3^rd grader… even in this blog post. I hope things get better. However, I do feel there are good things that have come from this experience. I now know that I am NEVER prepared for anything and sometimes we can’t help things from happening. I appreciate the time we have with our loved ones but when it’s time to get things done, and they’re not here anymore, you can’t lose sight of your goals and ambitions.