Thanks, Dad!

Welcome back to THE NEIGHBORHOOD!  This week’s story is about one of my favorite teachers.  

I cut into the milk carton and immediately feel a sense of pride.  I make a large square hole and put the cap back on. 

I write “John Ostick: Plastic Bag Holder” on the side. 

You see, if I take an empty milk carton and cut a hole in it, I can use it to store old plastic bags. 

The other option is to allow the space under my sink to become a bottomless pit of bags.  No thank you. 

Thanks for the tip, Dad.  

 My father teaches at an all-boys catholic high school in the suburbs of Philadelphia.  He is loved by so many students.  I am so proud. 

Every year the yearbook is dedicated to someone in the school community.  My father has been a member of the faculty for YEARS and finally they are honoring him with the dedication.  I am so excited to surprise him. 

My family and I gather in the faculty lounge while in the church next door, they are having the senior mass.  At the end of the mass, they will announce the yearbook dedication.  One of my father’s best friends and fellow teachers comes in to say hi and he goes…

 “He has no idea that this is about to happen.”

A few minutes later, we are brought to the side entrance of church as the yearbook editor starts describing what my father means to him.  I am bursting with pride as I listen to this teenage boy talk about how much my father is admired.  Finally, as he calls my dad’s name, they start to play his song.  “You can’t always get what you want”  by The Rolling Stones.  My father comes to the front as everyone stands and applauds. 

I will never forget the look of surprise when my dad sees us.  He thought I was going back to New York that morning! 

SURPRISE! 

My father never does something for the recognition, but everything he does deserves applause. 

He teaches at an all-boys Catholic school, so obviously, I can never take his class.  In high school, my father spends one hour every Thursday night teaching me the basics of Economics in our living room.  “You can’t always get what you want” by The Rolling Stones is a John Ostick Econ class staple.  He plays it at the start of the year.  I will never not think of my Dad when I hear that song.  

I may not have my father as a teacher in the classroom, but he is still my number 1 teacher in life. 

Teaching me how to save space when it comes to plastic bags. 

How to drive a car. 

How to write a check. 

How to make the best iced tea. 

How Old Bay seasoning can go on anything. 

That baseball is the greatest sport of all time. 

That I probably shouldn’t wear my lace Easter glove to t-ball practice, but rather a baseball glove.  Yes, I thought that’s what he meant by glove. 

He is my greatest cheerleader filming every dance recital and performance possible.  I love hearing his laughs and “wows” in the background of those grainy vhs tapes. 

The absolute best. Thanks for the life lessons, Dad.  

What about you, dear Neighbor?  Who in your life has taught you some important lessons?  Got any fun life hacks?  Tell me about them!     

I look forward to hearing your stories.  

I’ve Got You in My Pocket,

Jackie 

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