Keeping it Real

Thursday, September 22

Before introducing you to Conner, I want to report that I am feeling considerably better. I am not exactly sure why, but I do like the feeling! Perhaps my overnight stay in the Diamond Peak Wilderness and subsequent climb of Mt. Yoran was instrumental – natural beauty, great exercise and tranquility. Otherwise I have been quite passive and have tried to go with the flow, while not packing too much in. I will try to continue this, do a better job recalibrating and setting more realistic physical goals.

Approximately ten years ago I met Connor. He was a smart, insightful, witty, quirky 7^th grader. Over the next two years, I grew to like him a great deal. After his 8^th grade promotion ceremony, I was milling around and he excitedly came up to me, reintroduced his parents and with a stout handshake, thanked me for being his math teacher over the last two years. He looked me in the eye and with all sincerity told me: “Mr. Heil, continue to keep it Real!” I was puzzled, but after 25 years with teenagers, I had become accustomed to not understanding every interaction. I simply moved on.

Unknowingly, perhaps my last post was an acknowledgement of Connor’s advice of many years ago. It feels good to be honest and true to my feelings, thus: Keeping it Real!