Thom Stecher and Associates is dedicated to assisting schools, educators and students in achieving their highest level of potential. We strive to foster open relationships where the sharing of ideas, philosophy, knowledge, beliefs, values and passion is channeled into creating constructive solutions. We aim to build healthy communities where we grow as instruments for positive change.
Writing for me is a treasure hunt. I am searching deep inside my soul to follow God’s still, small voice. Each word I write, each line is a revelation. I discover more meaning and more truth with every sentence.
That exquisite joy is the process of discovery. I sometimes find gems I was not aware were in me. Each line I put pen to paper, yes, I use pen and paper, I don’t not type or text. Each line I put pen to paper, I follow a path I have not taken before and I find a destination that I did not know existed.
Writing is an act of trust. Maybe that is why I am so initially trusting with new relationships. Because I have practiced trusting so often in my writing. I have always trusted that what is in my heart will be revealed as I write.
I love the story of Jesus and the loaves and fishes. When I write and speak in public, I trust my good intentions will multiply and everyone will be fed.
So let us give ourselves away in service to love and truth and discover the hidden gems inside our souls.
I was raised on a corn farm in South Jersey. Not just any farm, a silver queen corn farm. The best eating corn in the world. It was a very small family farm. My mom was the youngest of 6 and each time one of her siblings married, my grandfather gave them a piece of the land. Four different families shared the responsibility for the corn. We all grew our own tomatoes, beans, carrots, onions, potatoes, and asparagus. I did not like asparagus because as a little boy, it was my job to weed the asparagus patch. It seemed to me that asparagus was just attracted to weeds.
My favorite time, as a boy, was to sit on my grandparent's wrap around porch. It wrapped two thirds of the way around the house. It had large wooden rocking chairs and I could rock for hours. I loved it when it rained. Safely tucked into the warmth of the roofed porch, I was fascinated watching rain drops plop into wide-mouthed empty milk bottles. In those days, the milk man delivered your milk. We would set the empty bottles on the big back porch for pick-up.
I loved the peace of that plop, plop, plop. The sound of steady rain outside the safety of the porch, interspersed with the base notes of plop, plop, plop and my violin like rocking chair accompanied by my humming. That was peace. Even the memory bring me peace.
Sandra and I were privileged to spend 39 of our years with Ashley. We could feel her presence, we bathed her in unconditional love, we sat in silence and heard the voice of God. Now that she is physically gone, every drop of creation recognizes her absence. There is no place that does not ask for her. The nature path, the summer breeze, the warm sandy beach, the pillowy clouds, the morning doves, the front pew in church where her wheelchair rested. Everything calls her name.
She is now part of the universe. She is in the stars. She visits the sun, moon, and planets. She is as small as a nano particle and as large as the embrace of God.
She is everywhere.
"I have found it is the small things. Everyday deeds of ordinary folks that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love." - Gandalf, from The Hobbit
My life has been blessed to be interwoven with Sandra's these past 46 years. She is the unifying force in our family. Her faith and love transcends distance and differences.
Generosity and giving is not something Sandra does, giving is who she is. She is humble and does not need to be celebrated or in the spotlight. She prefers to be behind the scenes. It is her loving presence that ripples out in waves of joy. She is unaware of her power. Her humility and sacrifice is not always understood. Sandra is the beacon that guides my life.
Education benefits everyone. Public education was originally structured to create well informed citizens. Throughout my lifetime (73 years) it has created our society.
We have evolved as humans to experience the great benefits of an educated population. Children, parents, non-parents, and all citizens benefit from education.
Every new innovation is connected to education. The conveniences of our homes originated in education. Even the shoes you walk in were created in education.
I love to pay my fair share for education because I love well-informed, thinking, and compassionate human beings.
Unfollow the feeds that make you feel unworthy or inferior.
Follow the feeds that fill your heart and soul.
Follow what is real, transparent, authentic, and vulnerable.
When we follow what brings us joy and connection, we are flooded with joy and connection.
These flood waters feed our heart and soul.
In your daily life, unfollow what brings you down. Follow what lifts you up.
The universe will send you all you need to thrive.
