This blog is named in honor of Rogers' best friend who he used to teach with.   He would call Roger up or greet him in the hallway at work with   “Hello, Brother” in his distinctive gravelly voice.  Ironically, some middle school kids thought they really were brothers.  He recently passed and each time our phone rings, I expect to hear "Hello, Brother!"

Halfway through this journey, Roger and I were discussing what we wanted our own kids to learn from all of this. I expect eyerolling here. There will be errors in this blog.  There could be cringeworthy moments. We're not anyone famous.  We're not anyone important.  We are important to our families, friends,  and to our former students.   As my boss would say, "be curious, not judgmental". As my friend said, we are inviting you into our conversation and being real and "messy".  It’s our hope that we can continue to teach our own kids and our former students how to persevere when things don’t go as planned, get a little tough, or just plain stink. 

While we are not doctors or authors, we are hopeful that we can teach people on our journey to get medical answers.  Hopefully we can raise funds for medical research and create a place of more efficient, effective, economical, expedited care for all.  And just maybe, we can put a smile on your face and cause you to stop, pause and commit an act of kindness during your day.   

Hello, brother.