2021, A New Hope

One of the things I love the most about working at Penn is my interactions with Student Leaders.  Whether it be the Board of the Penn Band, or other student performing arts groups or the myriad of different students I meet on Leadership Weekend, working with student leaders almost always energizes me and inspires hope for the future.  On 2/28/2021, I am reflecting on how hard it must be to be a student leader during Covid times.  So many extra things to worry about, so much pressure all while also trying to learn during this pandemic.  No chances to gather together, in person, at leadership retreats and trainings.  My hopes on the 59th day of 2021 are hopes for student leaders.  I hope that, as people get vaccinated and things start to open up on campus, that things might get easier for them, and those of us who like to work with them.

  The morning of the 58th day of 2021 found me in the Collingswood HS Gym.  2/27/2021 was the Senior Celebration for the boy's team.  As I read their accomplishments over the PA system, I was filled with hopes for the Class of 2021.  I spent a lot of last Spring lamenting all of the events and memories that Alexa and her Class of 2020 classmates were losing.  But here we are, a year later, and the Class of 2021 has lost so much more.  So let's hope that the vaccine and mask compliance can knock down the cases even more and we can salvage some of this school year for the Class of 2021!

We had a bit of a scare in the evening of the 57th day of 2021.  We were watching TV on 2/26/2021 and we heard the sump pump make a strange sound.  We had been having issues with the float getting stuck, and all of the jostling caused a pipe to come loose and - boom - water spray.  So we called the plumber, quick fix, and now I have Sump Hopes.  It's gonna rain all weekend, hope the basement stays dry!

I thought a lot about classrooms on the 56th day of 2021.  2/25/2021 was a hybrid in-class day for Anna and, as I was dropping her off, I was thinking how nice it would be to have to do this more than two times a week.  And we were discussing, colleagues at Penn, about when the return to in-person classes might be (I am hoping it is the Fall, maybe partially in the Summer).  I know my hopes are starting to sound like a broken record, but my hope is to return to the classroom.  This pandemic has to end soon.  And I cannot wait for students to return to the classroom.  In our neighborhood schools and on Penn's Campus!  Not ready yet.  But soon, soon!

You know, I do not have any inspiration for specific hopes on the 55th day of 2021.  In fact, I have been sitting here, wanting to go to bed, wracking my brain for a specific theme.  But, on 2/24/2021, I am still hopeful,  So THAT will be my reflection for tonight.  Hopeful.  I am hopeful that counts are coming down (but not far enough, we are down to numbers at the height of the summer).  I am hopeful that things will soon start to open up.  I am hopeful for my first Covid Test next Tuesday so I can return to campus, even if just occasionally.  I am hopeful for a lot of things.  It's not happening as fast as we'd like, but every day that passes is a day closer to the end of these crazy times.  Goodnight (two nights in a row before Midnight - ahhhh sleep!)

A lot of things happened on the 54th day of 2021 that made inspired my Hope to be in Person.  Yes, on 2/23/21, I thought a lot about when I might return to campus, regularly (I have my first Covid test on campus next week so I can return intermittently), I thought about the upcoming Little League Season and whether I will allowed to be in the Snack Stand serving the kids and their fans, and I sat in a Community Forum where the return to In-Person learning in our schools was discussed and debated.  And I know everyone is trying as hard as they can and we are slowly approaching whatever normal will be (I hate the term "new normal," I think I have said this here before.  But I DO miss people and the normality of in-person interaction.  And, from the sounds of it tonight, a lot of people are right there with me.  Let's hope that rates continue to drop, people continue to get the vaccine, and we can return to more in-person environments soon!

During the Spring 2021 Penn Band Rehearsals, we have arranged Special Guests for the start of the session.  The last two weeks we have had the coaches from the Women's and Men's Penn Basketball Teams!  Coach Steve was inspiring on the 53rd day of 2021 and that has my 2/22/21 hope reflection as a reprise of one used earlier: Hope Hopes II, Return to the Palestra.  I miss the Palestra so much.  I think every February for the past 35 years has included multiple Palestra experiences for me.  There was a Sherr in the Palestra this month, but it was Alexa getting her Covid Testing at one of the centers that has been established there.  The Palestra is the Cathedral of College Basketball, and I think I need some hoop religion soon.

Sunday's Church Service on the 52nd day of 2021 was quite poignant.  For the Message on 2/21/2021, Pastor Michael played a video depicting Jesus' journey in the wilderness and then we broke into small groups (an excellent use of the Zoom breakout rooms) and, in groups of 6 or so, discussed our own personal wilderness journeys.  And, as we were conversing, I realized that I have had a few of these wilderness times and, in the end, things always ended up better on the other end, even if the journey might not have been easy.  Tonight, I have Wilderness Hopes.  I think Covid has placed us all together in a Wilderness Journey of some sort.  And I think the distance we have yet to travel is less that the distance we have already traversed.  Let's hope we exit the wilderness soon.

So on 1/26, my mom's birthday, I had Maternal Hopes.  Therefore it is fitting that, on 2/20/2021, I have Paternal Hopes!  The 51st day of 2021 is the 77th birthday for my Dad, David Sherr.  As I stated this morning, he is the coolest Dad I know.  In fact, whenever my kids tell me that their friends think I am nice, or funny, or that they like me, I am filled with gratitude for MY Dad.  Because, in my striving to be a good father, when I have doubts or questions, I just think WWDMSD?  What would David M. Sherr do.  We were catching up on This is Us tonight and there were, of course, a few intertwined plot lines dealing with fatherhood and sons trying to be as good of a Dad (or better) than their fathers.  While I think the bar may be set too high for me to be better, I think striving for it has made me a better father, husband, and all around person.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

2/19/2021 is the end of another loooooong week.  But it is also National Women's Heart Day.  So the 50th day of 2021 is right in line with the themes of the week: love, heart, kindness.... and also shines a light on the importance of Women's Heart Health and the understanding that heart attack and stroke symptoms present far differently in women than they do in man, often meaning they go undetected.  So tonight I have hopes for healthy hearts.  For women, but for us all!

On the 49th day of 2021, I got tired of Winter.  I just do not like snow.  And although, on 2/18/2021, I did not have to leave the house (the only reason I had was my swim lane reservation and the gym ended up closing at 11AM), I am still tired of the snow.  Tired of the ice.  Tired of the cold.  Tonight, I am hoping for a thaw.  But I am also feeling lucky that we have water, power, and a warm, safe house.  I am praying for the people who are without power, without water, and cold in their own houses in Texas.  I am praying for those who are on the street and refuse (for reasons,, I am sure) to go into the Shelters.  I am praying that this Winter ends soon and, as the snowy, icy mantle is lifted off of the ground by the heat of the sun, that along with it comes more vaccines, continued lower Covid rates, and a slow return to life closer to how we knew it.  Yes, we are frozen literally and figuratively, and I'd like both a literal and a ...

The 48th day of 2021 is smack dab in the middle of one of the nicest weeks in Oaklyn!  Why would I say that about 2/17/21?  Well, this week is the Week of Kindness.  And, to commemorate, OMAYSC has, due to the efforts of April Marino, found a way to celebrate kindness.  And this year, it's even better.  With a heart and lawn sign campaign, April has provided the students (and parents and grandparents) of the town a way to spread love and kindness and positive affirmation, EVEN while sequestered due to a pandemic.  And, we were talking finances tonight and April mentioned that the sales of the hearts fundraised the funds to cover the cost of the lawn signs.  "Kindness costs nothing," she texted me.  EXACTLY.  That inspires my reflection for today, hopes for kindness.  It usually costs nothing to take the high road, to be kind, to show others you care.  Thanks to April, there is more of that in the neighborhood this week! #BeLikeTyler...

I realized today, the 47th day of 2021, that time is flying.  It's a strange dichotomy that this pandemic seems to be dragging on and, yet, I cannot find time to get all that I need to get done in a day.  2/16/2021 was no exception and I am still at it, trying to get some urgent tasks completed.  Tonight I am hoping for more time.  Enough time.  OK, back to work....

My sister is amazing.  She spent the 46th day of 2021 baking babkas.  And on 2/16/2021, I tuned in to her FB page and admired them.  She is baking to raise money for her Virtual Overnight Walk to benefit AFSP.  The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  The cause is amazing and so is the babka.  And, so, tonight I am hoping for babka.  I know I am far, but I am her bro, and I think she may send us a care package.  YUM! P.S. If you want to support my sister (even if you are too far away to get babka), the link to her fundraiser is here:  https://www.theovernight.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=38885&fbclid=IwAR1K0Fjf-NbiHVBaHMBYSqMZVSh8bN0V3yhF3X5z3ahGFe2qOcjTAGoKrbg AFSP has set a bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by the year 2025.  Remember, everyone, you matter and there are people who love you - reach out if you feel despair, you (and we) will be glad you did!

We have come to 2/14/2021.  Valentine's Day, in a Pandemic.  And while it was not the best Valentines Day I ever spent, nor was the 45th day of 2021 the worst.  What is important is that I spent the day with the people I love!  And, since Anna had an event with her pod (2 other friends from her school), Sarah and I actually dined alone, by candlelight.  And we smiled and reminisced about other Valentine Days we have spent together (this IS our 27th after all, three cubed!).  And, it was romantic.  Not sappy or syrupy, just parentally romantic (as parents when DO we get to just dine together?)  So my hopes are for a continued romance.  It's a blessing that I found my other half (well, she found me, thank goodness) and I am thankful every day and hope for many days (Valentines or otherwise) to come.

  I made a new friend on the 44th day of 2021.  Funny thing is, I did not realize it at first.  You see, I was at the Pool on 2/13/2021 and was aqua jogging again (got up to 75 laps!)  And, while I was in Lane 2, there was a swim lesson in Lane 1.  There usually is on Saturday, no matter which slot I get.  Today, there was Michael.  Michael likes to race me when he is having his lesson and it amuses me and, honestly, makes me go faster (even though I let him win each lap).  But, the best part today was when Michael decided he wanted to switch lanes.  He asked me to stop for a minute (so I did, running in place) and his mother and the instructor asked him what he was doing.  He said, "hold on, I have to tell my friend something!"  That made me smile and I realized, even in a pandemic, new friends are being made, even if in non-traditional places.  We have not been able to see many people during this quarantine but I am happy tha...

The Palindromic 43rd day of 2021 had me thinking a lot about family.  First, 2/12/2021 would have been the 105th birthday of one of my paternal grandmothers, Nettie Soskin.  Aunt Nettie, as we called her, or Bubbe, was a wonderful cook, had an amazing wit, and was tough, fair, and filled with love and care for her grandchildren.  I am blessed to have had so many grandparents in my life.  They set the tone for my parents, who set the tone for my sister and me.  And I, with my family history and Sarah with hers, have set the tone for our children.  And, tonight, while looking for pictures of Skylar as a puppy, we stumbled on old pictures and videos from years ago.  My hopes are for Family Legacies.  I hope and pray that the tone we have set for Alexa and Anna grows into their own family legacies that have their own traditions and practices, but, as with Bubbe, are filled with love and care.

As I write this reflection on the 42nd day of 2021, I am a bit overwhelmed.  I have not been able to keep my email under control.  It is 11:50PM and I still have 336 UNREAD EMAILS!   So, on 2/11/2021, I cannot stay here and write much because I hope I can catch up!  Off to read more email, hope I can get done soon!

The 41st day of 2021 is, like all of the 41st days of the years, magical.  Yes, 2/10/2021 is the birthday of the one and only R. Greer Cheeseman.  Greer is a good friend and the Director of the Penn Band.  During this pandemic, it's been the longest time I have gone without seeing my friend in person since I arrived on Penn's campus in 1986.  So, tonight, I have magical hopes.  Hopes that I will see Greer soon.  And that he will entertain us all with MAGIC!!!!!  Happy Birthday, Greer!

The 40th Day of 2021 is also National Pizza Day.  I was craving pizza for lunch on 2/9/2021.  BUT, Sarah had a better idea.  She suggested we forsake pizza and, instead she said she planned to make lasagna!  I love her lasagna so I was filled with hopes for Italian.  I like a lot of kinds of food, but I think I like Italian the best.  The lasagna was made, and it was spectacular.  And we have some for leftovers too.  It's gonna be a good week.....

So I am dragging on the 39th day of 2021.  2/8/2021 is National Football Hangover Day.  And, while I did not have a DROP of alcohol to drink last night (I actually do not remember my last alcoholic drink... not on purpose, just do not have the taste for it), I think I have an exhaustion hangover.  After the SB last night I got online and started a project that, by the time I was done, it was 2AM - oops.  So, tonight, I am going to bed BEFORE Midnight, and I have a hope for rest.  Rest and restoration - a lot to do in the coming week!

The 38th day of 2021 was the day of Superbowl LV (but I was VERY annoyed that the logo looked like LIV).  But the party on 2/7/2021 looked a LOT different than the Superbowl parties from the past years (I cannot REMEMBER the last time I did not see these guys (pictured here) and without Alexa.  But, it's a pandemic time, and we cannot gather.  Alexa is on campus, and supposed to stay there.  So, we had a Zoom, and it was fun and kept the "traditions" going.  But tonight, I hope for a party next year!  I cannot wait until we are all inoculated and it is safe to gather.  I miss my friends, I miss my family, but it's gotta get better soon.  By next year's Superbowl, right??

For years I have been the Chair of the Philadelphia Committee of the Penn Alumni Interview Program and, as Chair, lately I have not been doing that many interviews, instead working with a great group of Interview Managers to ensure each applicant to Penn, from Philadelphia, gets a chance to speak to a graduate of Penn, ask questions about Penn's campus and culture, and allows the applicant to add a 3rd dimension to their application.  But, on the 37th day of 2021, I had a slate of interviews to conduct.  Penn got over 55,000 applications this year (10K more than their last high), I think the test-optional brought a lot of people too hesitant to apply in the past, to join the pool.  So I buckled down and took a bunch of interviews and, on 2/6/21, I was rewarded with hopeful applicants.  I love talking to young people, excited about the future and, of course, I love talking about Penn.  These hopeful applicants energized me after a long week at work, and I remain ...

While there is a lot not to like about the past 11 months (almost a year!) of this Covid Quarantine, there are a few things I hope stay around after we are allowed to be out and about again.  My focus tonight, on 2/5/2021, is on hopes for continued family connections.  As the kids (Alexa, Anna, ALL the cousins) grow up and start their independent lives, it is nice that technology allows us to stay in touch and connected.  On the 36th day of 2021, the Walters Family Women had a craft night.  I hosted the Zoom so I started it up, turned off my sound, and got out of the way.  But I looked up and had to snap this picture, it is great!  Four Family Units, Three States, Three Generations, one fun craft!  Whether it is family Zooms, or the daily video conversations we have with my side of the family on Marco Polo, technology that allows for continued family connections is appreciated, and I hope endures.

It was great, on the 35th day of 2021, to finally get back to the Gym Pool.  My routine (and good habits) was disrupted by the snow and the Gym's closure on Mon/Tues.  But I was back there on 2/4/2021, in my regular Thursday slot.  I have been aqua jogging for the past month because, according to my PA, I have a strained AC joint in my shoulder (getting older stinks, something always hurts, but it's better than the alternative!)  So tonight, I have swimming hopes.  I want to be able, soon, to get back to swimming laps.  But, until then, aqua job will have to do!

A lot is going on in work, in life, in the world, and on 2/3/2021, I have to admit it was getting to me a little bit.  And then, on the 34th day on 2021, I watched a story byWHYY (online) on Wellness efforts in the Philadelphia Area.  The episode (link below) talks about The Philly Goat Project, Spirits Up! (promoting mindfulness among communities of color), herbal remedies, and yoga.  All of these things have calming effects.  So I have calming hopes for this evening.  Not just for myself, but also for you all, for Philadelphia, and definitely for this Country.  Calm is better than the alternative! https://whyy.org/episodes/living-well/

2/2/2021 is Groundhog Day!  But Phil saw his shadow.  Sigh..... So that means that we have six more weeks of Winter to look forward to.  So on the 33rd day of 2021, I have 6 more weeks of hopes as well.  I hope these six weeks of Winter go by without TOO much more snow and ice.  And I have 60 more days of hopes until I get the 1st dose of the vaccine.  Let's stay warm, let's stay dry, let's stay safe, let's stay healthy..... for 6 weeks, 60 days, and onward into a better future!

Well I have to admit I thought that Winter Storm Orlena was going to be a dud in our area on 2/1/21.  BUT, the 32nd day of 2021 brought us a bunch of snow!  So, tonight, I have snowbound hopes.  I am glad to see so many people enjoying the weather on their FB feeds.  I am glad for Alexa's suitemates who are seeing snow for the first time.  Yes, although I do not like snow, I do like that others enjoy it.  I hope they are happy and I hope there is no reason for me to leave in the next 24-48 hours.  Enjoy the snow or, if you are like me, wait for the melt!