We were settling into a period of normalcy that had eluded my family for years. It was the spring of 2003 and I was beginning to feel like my old self. My appetite was tremendous now and I was getting used to the medication that for as far as I knew, I would be taking for the rest of my life. Remission still eluded my PCR testing and the reduction in the Leukemia markers were moving ever so slowly…. In the right direction though. The new store was humming along and keeping me very busy as well as coaching the boys in hockey and soccer too. I loved coaching those kids. Lori had been working as the director of the classified department at the Carrier Pigeon newspaper for many years and was always busy at her job. Very good at it too. She was an extremely dedicated employee wherever she worked. A graduate of Manhattan College in New York majoring in Computer Science, she was one of the smartest women I’d ever known. She gave up an effluent position in Technical computer related sales in NYC to move to Philadelphia when we got engaged. But there was a problem. The Carrier Pigeon was closing its doors. For good.
Lori’s job was very important to our family. Besides helping carry us through a lot of our financial burden during my illness and lack of working for so long, she was the source of our healthcare benefits. My new medication alone cost $10,000 per month besides all of the other doctor and hospital visits required for my ongoing care. Her company closing and the loss of our benefits would be a huge blow. What’s going to happen now? Luckily, I was back earning full time at the store and financially, things were improving rapidly. She would also collect unemployment for a while but we would have to join the Cobra plan her company offered to keep our health insurance. We thought that there wasn’t much else that we could do. Fortunately, a friend alerted me to, and I was able to join the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and become a part of their insurance network. The savings were excellent and I would now take over the responsibility through my business.
Lor was now at a crossroads situation in her career. The print advertising business was in decline as the advent of the internet was weighing heavily on the industry. Should she look for a new job in the same field or change careers entirely? This was a big decision. Enter Marie Giralamo. Marie was one of Lori’s oldest and dearest friends. Marie had decided to begin a new career recently and was studying in the field of Library Science. A degree in Library Science provided many avenues of employment in schools, universities, corporations, etc. Interesting she thought. Lor asked me, “What if I pursue a degree in the same venue?” So, we explored the opportunity. Her decision would be to pursue a Masters in Education degree with a concentration in Library Science. This would require two years of full time study at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. A huge commitment, but an equally huge reward. She deserved the break, if you want to call it that. The past six years were hell on her. We would get through it. After a quick interview and enrollment period, Lor would again become a college student. Summer of 2003 start. Before we would know it, she would become an Elementary school Librarian. Six semesters of hard work, long nights of studying and multiple certifications later, her Masters Degree would be in the books! Literally. The boys and I were so proud of her commitment. This decision would prove to be huge for our family going forward. Gitter done Mom!
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