A Much Better D-Day!

Friday, December 8, 2006 was a much better "D-Day" than last month's!

This "D-Day" was oral "Defense Day" for my Ph.D. dissertation at Kent State University in Ohio. After the end of the 2-hour defense, the committee privately discussed the defense. As they talked behind the closed door, three of us - my wife, our friend Michael K and I - waited for their decision. "Congratulations, Dr. Coyle" were wonderful words to hear from my dissertation director and the rest of the committee.

I started my first doctoral class many years before on a warm sunny June day at Kent, a 100-mile drive each way from my home. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground the day of my defense - but the day couldn't have been better.

After a celebratory drink and dinner with my wonderful wife, it was back to Steubenville to grade my students' papers, projects and final exams.



I looked kind of tired Sunday night.






It's been quite a ride, especially this semster. And will be a wonderful Christmas!

Jim Coyle

D-Day

My doctor's office called last week and asked me to come in to see him, and this morning I had my appointment. The news he had for me was something I thought I'd hear someday because several members of my family have had this, but that didn't soften the words too much when he said "You've got Diabetes."

It's early and relatively mild, so we're going to start treating it through diet and activity (at least he didn't say the "exercise" word). As a diabetic, I've joined a pretty large group and have a lot to learn.

Things will be different, I realized, when I arrived at my office later in the day and saw the big bulging bag of candy a friend had given me last week. It was a great gift - the aftermath of a very funny conversation. I don't want to tell her I can't finish it now.

Little things.

And gratitude that I've lived almost 61 years before my D-Day.

Jim

"My Room is Naked"

That's what our about-to-go-to-college daughter said this morning. And she's right! After making her room at home a special place all her own, so much is gone - loaded in the van and, now, on the way to her new school.

September 6, 2006 - our 31st wedding anniversary. And the day the third of our four children left for college. My wife's driving her to school and I'm staying behind because of my work. It's an emotional day for me - I'm happy for our daughter's new beginnings, but I miss her already.

We still have wonderful family members here in town, two children and two grandchildren. But a new chapter in our family story began today, another chapter whose pages are blank - and fresh. Only the Lord knows what will be written in the days and years to come.

To our daughter I say: "Godspeed...and God bless you."

And to Pat, again I say "Happy Anniversary - you're such a blessing to me."