Lisa Giordano-Thomas:
CLASS OF 1974
Bunnell High SchoolClass of 1974
Stratford, CT
University of Bridgeport - NursingClass of 1983
Bridgeport, CT
Housatonic Community CollegeClass of 1982
Bridgeport, CT
Wooster Middle SchoolClass of 1971
Stratford, CT
Bungay Elementary SchoolClass of 1968
Seymour, CT
Lisa's Story
MY FAMILY & LIFE: (*UPDATED: 08/2011).
First married while in CT in 6/86 to my 1st husband Michael, just before our 30th birthdays. We had the same exact birthdays-just 4 hrs. apart & have 2 children, Michael now almost 22yrs.old & Marissa just had her 18th Birthday.
Unfortunately, we ended up getting divorced in 2001; he "forgot" he had a wife...and I just couldn't live like that. We were more like brother and sister, if you know what I mean. It ended up being final only months before our weddings, because Mike dragged his feet getting me all his information (paperwork), so I could complete his file & then file for our divorce... (since I did our divorce myself.)
I couldn't see giving all the money to a lawyer, when Mike and I got along, I just didn't feel "married" to him anymore. It only cost Mike $200.00, (versus the $5,000.00, just to start), plus his monthly child support. (He had nothing to complain about). It was much cheaper than hiring a lawyer. All lawyers do is make couples fight over money. I.e. "How much money they NEED to get or have to part with." Also, the amount of the "child support"...(money again), visitation and or custody of the children or dog (lol),...as well as, how many things, (furniture, items collected throughout the marriage, etc.), that they have to divide between each other..Am I right?
We just sat down as friends and divided everything up fairly. It was fairly easy and we kept it amicable. I had consulted several lawyers while in CT. They kept pushing me to get MORE money and then pushed me to get even MORE...as much money as possible from Mike...I didn't want to strip him naked financially; I just wanted a divorce at that point. Period. I just didn't feel like I was married anymore; I didn't feel like I had a husband. It was very sad for me; I was losing my bestfriend as well.
.
I know Mike didn't want the divorce after almost 16 yrs.of marriage; (my "X" and I are still good friends. We wanted it that way, esp. for our children). We live only 2miles apart. I did our divorce while in Florida. We had all moved to Florida around the same time in June of 2000. We have joint custody and for the most part, get along well. Mike remarried just 2 wks. before I did, while in FL. (He remarried in Sept. 22nd, 2001 & I remarried Oct.6th, 2001). We only still only live 2 miles from each other...though he's now talking of moving to N.Carolina within a few yrs. My kids COULD walk there IF they wanted to...now though, they drive. I met Pat in 1999, when I worked (for less than a yr.) as the school Nurse at an elementary school in West Haven, CT. just before we moved to FL. & married him on Oct. 6th, 2001.
Patrick is my "soulmate" which I didn't believe existed; I really dislike the term:"SOULMATE," but WE constantly, (on a daily basis, including when the phone rings from each other, etc.), read each other's minds, think alike, as we like, the same things, etc.. Anyway, it makes marriage a lot easier. (*When opposites attract, it rarely lasts a lifetime, because you don't have things in common that hold the marriage together). Patrick is my bestfriend AND husband, (who happens to also be from West Haven, CT AND went to High School with Mike... small world! I found that out much later, as well as, that he had only lived about 2 miles from us, when we (all) lived in West Haven, CT.
Pat started his own "Handyman" business here in Palm Coast, FL. in 2000 & we named it: "Rent- A-Husband," This is
because I had hired him in CT to help me fix things in our home, just prior to moving to FL. Mike didn't know how to fix anything IF it didn't involve "Diving." (He was a"Commercial Diver" and a "Federal Police Officer," while in the Service...That's all he was trained to do.
I'm a Registered Nurse and had worked mostly in the O.R. & our Ambulatory O.R. at Norwalk Hosp. for most of the 20 yrs.that I worked there, before relocating to FL. Although now Medically Disabled & unable to work since 6/2000; (after my 2nd Cervical surgery, which did not "take" (my graft & fusion,) probably because I did too much after my surg. & then moved here-I was NOT supposed to lift anything more than 2 lbs.; yeah okay!). I had my surgery just 2 wks before I moved to FL and did NOT want to delay moving since we had already sold our home. So, now I am medically disabled and unable to work anymore.
I was in a severe car accident in 11/97, that left me needing a 4 level cervical fusion, (I had herniated a total of 8 discs: 4 cerv. & 4 Lumbar discs); to date, no one (MD's) wants to "touch me w/a 10ft.pole," so I've been told by several Neurologists down here. I am herniated at Cervical levels: C3-4, 4-5, 5-6 & 6-7, with "permanent nerve damage" from C3 thru T1; according to my EMG's. I only had 2 surgeries so far; (both done in CT. The last one 6/00 failed 3 mos.after my 2nd surgery, leaving me with a "non-union" at C4-5 (graft disintegrated, collapsed onto my nerves & eventually reabsorbed) & still have the 3 herniated lumbar discs; (L3-4, 4-5 & S1). I have been to at least 10 doctors since coming to FL & ended up at "Shands Medical Center;" was told they could do it, but suggested to "wait for better options in surgery to develop", since I still have some range of motion left & there is NO guarantee it will even get rid of my pain anyway, since I have perm. nerve damage.
I am "okay" with monthly "pain management". I had a stroke they believe, in 8/2009 which only left me (thank God) with permanent numbness on the right side of my body...(from my face down to my toes versus paralysis)...which is usually what you get left with, when you have a stroke. I don't dwell on it & do as much as I can everyday. Having kids & a husband...& an X-husband, lol, keeps you going.
My daughter Marissa, was into (Competitive) Cheerleading for 4 years & had done PAL cheerleading her 1st, initial yr. She plans to go to school for Hair (last on her list), Make-up, nails & massages & eventually either go to L.A, (Hollywood),,,that's her :dream; do it all for the stars.) OR open her own "Spa." She met a guy last year though, which has totally turned her life aroiund). He is a Jr. Pastor at her church, (so everything at this point is "delayed.") She has gotten very involved in his church & hasn't had time for school, because she doesn't want to leave him to go to school. I think though, her dad talked her into at least looking into a school locally.
My son is into "computers, Video games" and played Lacrosse through H.S. Graduation, on both a state travelling team & on his High School Varsity Team. (He skated & played Hockey since he was 3 yrs.old, but since moving to FL decided to play Lacrosse instead). It was very hard to find local hockey teams; the 1st few yrs. he played, he had to travel to Orlando-a 90min. drive the way my X drove) & he didn't get much sleep & his grades nose-dived. He is in advanced (AP) classes here. He got a 99% in his Math FCAT (like the CT Mastery Tests) when he was in the 7th grade & was asked to take the High School SAT's for college while in the 7th grade, (WITH the H.S.kids & w/o studying) by Duke University; and he actually did well-(esp.for being in the 7th grade)-was in the 50th Percentile, whch they said was good. He also received a 99% on his Reading FCAT's, when he was in 8th grade. He is currently (8/2011) in his 3rd year in the Navy; on the Subs-Nuclear Engineering. Next July he is done. He is planning on finishing his Bacchelors degree (attending college while in the service) & then going to school to be a Pharmacist, in Jacksonville (hopefully); 2nd choice Orlando. He says he'll either have a Masters Degre or a Doctorite, when he's done. (*You don't need a Doctorite to complete Pharmacy School, but he feels it's only a year more, why not?)
We really love it here in Palm Coast-a fairly new city. It WAS the #1 fastest growing county ("Flagler") in U.S.A. (& #1 in FL); which is a resort town, (15 golf courses) & very beautiful & tropical looking. My parents had bought land here orig. in the early 70's. After my mom died, (now 18 yrs. ago) my Dad had relocated full-time to FL. Then, I had bought THIS house with my Dad, for my retirement/vacations, etc. I really had no intentions of relocating to FL before the kids were done w/school, but things happenned to change that. I was getting divorced & didn't want to stay in CT, in the cold anymore. (I hate snow). We now live on a saltwater canal, just 6 canals from the Intercoastal; not far from Flagler Beaches. We have a new 22FT.Pontoon Boat & often go on midnite "P.J. cruises," (as we call it), once the kids are in bed. Palm Coast is 1/2 hr.South from St. Augustine & 1/2 hr.North of Daytona Beach & 1 +hr. from Orlando. We do have seasons here, like up North, but VERY mild winters, which usually lasts about 2 months. It rarely gets below 40 degrees at night in the winter & usually is 60-70 ...Expand for more
(highs) during the day; (& rarely goes into the 50's during the day, unless we get a "cold spell"). Our cold spells are usually for 2-3 days at a time at most. If you want to email me use:LisaMcD1"at"msn.com. Ciao!
SCHOOL;
Took a year off from school after graduating High school; worked part-time (plus) at both Stop & Shop & Valle's Steak House as a Waitress (during the week) & in the Bar on weekends. I probably worked close to 70-80 hrs. a week. During that time, I had moved to West Haven for a little over a year and a half; (my 1st apt.) I decided to go back to school for nursing; I moved back home to Stratford, quit both jobs and went to Bullard Havens Regional/Technical School in Bgpt.to become an LPN. I didn't know if I was going to actually like nursing or not so I decided to go for my LPN first. After graduating from my LPN school (12 mos. straight) & getting my diploma I Worked at Lord Chamberlain SNF for 18 mos. I found working in a nursing home atmosphere boring & depressing, even though it was very busy there. A fellow nurse there told me about job openings at Norwalk Hospital. I applied & was hired. So I quit Lord Chamberlain SNF & took a floating position at Norwalk Hospital, full-time to see where in the hospital I wanted to work without giving a committment to one floor. That was in April of 1979; in July I transferred (in the same hospital)to a full-time position in Maternity & Gynecolgy (on Dana 4) where I started school again (1/2 time-plus) after my 1st yr.there. I went to Housatonic Community College; I had to pay for college myself as my parents made too much for me to qualify for any grants, but didn't have enough to put us all through college. (My brother was "chosen" to have college paid for, my sister & I would have our weddings paid for-reception only). After 3 plus yrs. at H.C.C., I took all the (nursing)CLEP. exams & then transfered all my credits to University of Bridgeport School of Nursing for my degree/RN; with a minor in psychology. I continued to work full-time (at Norwalk Hospital) while at University of Bridgeport. The hospital agreed to pay for 60 % of my college if I worked full-time, but had to maintain a "C avg. or better" to qualify for reimbursement. I also applied for an in-hospital (I believe it was called the "Grace Cole-Jones scholarship"). I not only was awarded it once, but received it again the following year. I think it was only for $2500.00 but it helped me pay for college. (I was the first person to receive it twice).
COLLEGE:
My college Bio is essentially what I wrote for my school Bio. My schools & work were all intertwined. I worked at Stop & Shop from 16 yrs. old until I went to school for my LPN. (I think I was 19 or 20). I started College part-time (at H.C.C.) while working full-time as an LPN at Norwalk hospital; I think in 1980. (I started working at Norwalk Hosp. 4/79). I had taken one yr. off from school between my LPN and starting college for my RN. I stayed at H.C.C. for 3 yrs. (taking 6-9 credits a semester) and transferred all my credits to University Of Bridgeport school of Nursing; (also took the CLEP exams & passed). There, I took 9-12 credits a semester towards my RN/degree & worked full-time still, at Norwalk Hospital; (in order to qualify for 60% reimbursement from Norwalk Hospital). Unfortunately, I had to put myself through college. My parents were "old-fashioned" & believed the "boy" should go to college, since they had to pay for "our" (my sister & my)weddings, "someday." I also, ended up getting the "Grace Cole-Jones Scholarship" twice from Norwalk Hospital, which I was very fortunate to get; $2500.00 each. Up until me, they had not EVER awarded it to the same person twice, (& 2 yrs. in a row). I was very grateful; it wasn't a lot, but it DID help. My Dad, would sneak me money from his business account for my books, which were very expensive. I lived in my own apartment after going to school for my LPN. so I had to work full-time to pay for everything. The only thing I really missed out on was all the "College-Partying" & dorm living. I usually hung out with all my "work buddies" anyway. I even worked (not that I really wanted to) through my actual graduation exercises; my BOSS, then, would NOT let me have the "time" off! Years later, at "her" retirement dinner, she apologized...a little late wouldn't you say! I really didn't hang out with all my classmates from college, since I had to go right to work from school most the time or home to study. One of my classmates was another LPN I knew well at Norwalk Hospital, that worked in Pediatrics. I had often worked with her when I floated to her unit, (from my OB/GYN floor), so we often studied together. Anyway, it was very long for me, working full-time and going to school at the same time; (it took about 5 yrs. or so to finish!) If I had to do it all over again, I definately would have gone away to college, first, then gone out to work. In the end it is all the same though.
Workplace
I worked at Stop and Shop while in High School until one year after I graduated. I then went to school for one year for my LPN. at Bullard Havens Regional Technical School, (without working). When I graduated, I took a job at Lord Chamberlain Skilled Nursing Facility and worked there as a Team Leader, for about 15 months. It was too depressing and although I was on straight days, it wasn't stimulating enough for me. Another LPN on the night shift told me of Norwalk Hospital hiring, so I applied there and was hired in April of 1979. I took a floating job, as an LPN there for 4 months, until I knew where I really wanted to work. In July, I started the (OB/GYN floor)Maternity & Gynecology floor, (Dana 4), where I stayed for about 5 years while going to school for my RN. Which I started half-time, in the fall that year. I graduated in Dec. of 1983, took my RN Nursing Boards in Feb., passed and I changed floors to a Surgical Floor, (7 East), as an RN in April or May, (I believe). I worked on 7 East for about 2 years, until I saw an opening for the Operating Room, with an "in-house training program," (Debbie Hultgren and I were (are), good friends and did this together). I stayed in the Main O.R. for 2+ years and transferred to Ambulatory Surgery, (Mon-Fri; one Sat. a Month-no evenings or nights & no Holidays!), where I stayed (my favorite job), for 5 years, until THEY decided to close our "Ambie" Unit and re-incorporate Our Ambulatory surgery Unit, into our NEW "O.R. Suite." We ALL were put back into the Main O.R. Suite again. (DREAD...the nights & weekends & Holidays AGAIN!) We loved our Ambie Unit and were angry that they got rid of it...including most of our Doctors. It never worked AS efficiently in the Main O.R. (was TOO BIG and Formal, compared to our unit in Ambie...it scared the patients), as when we were in Ambulatory Surgery, in our own self-contained unit! We prided ourselves in "our efficiency" in OUR UNIT & were very all good friends & working buddies! We ALL knew how to do all the different jobs in our unit and could be switched whenever the need arose, (vacation times, sick calls, etc.). Anyway, I stayed there until my daughter was to go to Kindergarden. I had also just had Surgery #1 on my neck; (RT. Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion & autogenious Bone Graft from my LT. hip). When I returned to work in the Main O.R. I of course was given the heaviest of daily assignments to make-up for my time out on "sick-leave" needed to recouperate. I found it difficult, when I returned to do ALL the heavy lifting required to stay in the O.R. I decided since my daughter needed "some arrangement" for when she got out of school to get her home or to daycare & was unable to find any, (other than myself), that I would need to change jobs, to a "local one," (since I commuted to Norwalk Hospital 36 miles each way!) I took on doing Home Care, between Hamden & West Haven and stayed there for 3 yrs. until I got a School Nurse job (at an Elementary school), in West Haven. (I kept one Home Care case after taking on that job). I worked there, as the School Nurse until becoming Medically Disabled in May 2000, (about 18 months AFTER, my car accident, that caused my herniated Cervical & Lumbar Discs). I had planned to return to Nursing after my 2nd Cervical surgery, but the bone graft had collapsed and my body had reabsorbed it, just 12 weeks after surgery & moving to Florida. That caused my "non-union" and my Medical Disability. The Doctors (many) said that I do need further surgery on my neck, but I should "wait" until a new type of surgery comes along, that would better suit MY needs. Since, I do have some Range of Motion left, they recommend "waiting" for a 4 level fusion, since after that I would have NO range of Motion, and would STILL be left with the pain from my nerves, since I have permanent nerve damage. I am still "waiting" and go to Pain Management monthly.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Photos
