Holiday Food Drive

A few months ago, he came home with his rst report card. His lowest grade was an A- and he achieved “high honors.” We celebrated with a big dinner at Ichiro, his favorite restaurant. The conversation that night followed a general pattern that we have adopted: “Are you proud of yourself? Did you give it your best?”

We shared our feelings about his success. Overall, it was a great night lled with pride and laughter.

A few weeks ago, I came home from work and Blake was upset. He told me, “I bombed my math test. I got an 84!”

At that point I had to tell him about my sophomore year in college, when I had to explain to my parents what a “W” meant on a report card. I explained to Blake, as I had to my parents, that a “W” indicated that I withdrew from my Physics class. I needed a miracle on the nal to pass, and that wasn’t in the cards.

My parents raised us a little di erently. They always pushed us in school. “Do your best,” was always the message. What was also crystal clear was that I was paying for college myself if I came home with another “W.”

Blake seemed to enjoy the idea of me being on the other end of a disciplinary conversation. I went on to tell him that an 84 was a respectable grade. “You have the rest of the marking period to bring that grade up. Put the work in and you’ll be ne.”

He lightened up a little, and the conversation moved on. I felt pretty good that the situation was under control and wasn’t hung up on the outcome of a “bombed” test.

Later that night as he was getting ready for bed, I hugged him and asked, “Are you good?”

He smiled, and said, “Yeah Dad, I’m good. I just might not get into a good college.”

Thanks, Alan

This holiday season, PTSMC collected food, toys, coats and cash for local communities.

Our patients and sta were so generous!

The extended PTSMC community donated 2705 food items, 150 toys, 335 coats and $168 for those in need in CT.

Add all “items” together... We exceeded our 3,000 goal!