Finally getting started!

Sorry for the delay! After rushing to establish this site, later I had to figure out how to maximize its use (smile)! Since I’m a perfectionist, that fact alone presented another group of issues to resolve (problematic - not to be discussed here). My delay in launching this Blog actually mirrors my experience with raising two sons using sports and the arts. Didn’t fully know what I was getting myself into – just kept asking questions, doing the research and connecting up the dots! The success enjoyed today far exceeds my original expectations – which was just to build self-esteem and confidence in both boys and identify God-given talents! However, kept stepping out blindly - on faith!


I was an athlete when younger and had always been around athletes through high school and college. Raising two scholar-athletes was different though - two lives dependent on me - parents both deceased, and now a change in marital status that was completely unforeseeable. Didn't begin with a complete plan - didn't have a template. Didn't read up on anything! However, none of that would stop me! I had a deep and abiding faith that would see me through many of the trials and tribulations life would bring and an inner voice that has guided me until this very day! I was also further informed by the death of a favorite older cousin – a basketball legend on courts throughout Philadelphia and at Gratz High School – decades ago coached by John Chaney. His name was Clarence Burgess, better known as Rock. Rock was a tremendous athlete who never made it out of the negative trappings he seemed to attract. Everybody knew Rock and knew of his dominance on the court! Rock had the talent to play NCAA basketball and even go to the NBA (as I’ve been told). However, Rock died during the height of racial tension in South Philadelphia – and a baseball bat was the weapon of choice – ironic. I recently drove by the corner where Rock died. Rock’s killer(s) was never identified, and decades later we still have some of our most talented students involved in senseless crimes – killing and being killed. If you knew Rock, in discussing him I only have to identify him with one word – Rock! The response I get – even today – is “Oh, man – Rock was YOUR cousin – that boy could PLAY!” The crime has got to stop, and we’ve got to meet children where their passions lie! Mothers have got to step it up – single, divorced, widowed – even grandmothers! I’m convinced that a strategic approach using academics, athletics and the arts will help to turn things around - but everyone has to get on the same page IMMEDIATELY!