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8 | June 14, 2018 | The Homer Horizon homer glen homerhorizon.com FahanII 3Bedrooms Plus Loft,2½Baths Full Walkout or Lookout Basement&Deck Spacious Living Room With Fireplace Chicago Water|Open Concept Floorplans School SystemisAmong the Best in the State Situated on Unique Home Sitesthatback up to aNatural Setting Since 1970 Decorated Models areOpen Mon-Thu 10am-4pm Sat/Sun Noon-4pm | Friday byAppt. Exit I-80 at La Grange Road south for just under twomiles to La PorteRoad andturn east for one-half mile to Brookside Meadows. Contactthe Sales Center fordetails at 708.479.5111 and visit online anytime at www.cranahomes.com OPPORTUNITY
homerhorizon.com news the Homer Horizon | June 14, 2018 | 9 Homer Glen resident shares letter penned to now ailing stepfather ‘Lessons learned from Dad’ originally written as Father’s Day tribute Jacquelyn Schlabach Assistant Editor Father’s Day holds its traditions in every family. Taking dad or grandpa out to the ballgame, going out to dinner, seeing a movie or just enjoying each other’s company and celebrating an influential man in one’s life is what the day is all about. Homer Glen resident Mary Pat DeGrassi hosts a barbecue at her home every year for the special occasion, gathering the family together to recognize those who play the role of “dad.” Six years ago, DeGrassi submitted a letter to The Horizon written about her stepfather, Leo Gruenholz. For a few years, Publisher 22nd Century Media had a Father’s Day Contest where people could submit letters, photographs and anything else that shows their father is No. 1. While her letter didn’t win the grand prize, it had a lasting impact on Leo in the years since. “Leo has always been an awesome stepfather; there’s no other words,” Degrassi said. “I truly believe he’s one of the best gifts my mom gave me.” DeGrassi’s parents divorced when she was a child, and her mother, Pat, married Leo when she was 6. They’ll be married for 47 years this July. Leo (middle) and Pat Gruenholz gather with their family members, including their daughter, Mary Pat DeGrassi, and son, Michael. Photo submitted “There’s so much unfortunate divorce in this world nowadays; it’s really important in your kids’ life that everyone gets along, because it makes a huge difference,” DeGrassi said. Her biological father has a significant presence in her life, as well, and said that she is fortunate to have them both in her life. Leo, 78, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. They were told shortly afterward that he was cancer-free, but in 2016, it came back. He started doing chemotherapy, but as of a year ago, he decided to stop. After Thanksgiving in 2016, he was put on hospice and has been on it ever since. “I think it’s important for my mom [to share the letter] because she knows the timing is nearing for Leo, and I think she wants to make sure that he realizes how much everybody loves him, and just that we’ve had a great life with him,” DeGrassi said. When she wrote the letter in 2012, she kept it a secret because she wanted Leo to be surprised if she were to win and have the letter published in the paper. Leo said when he later read it, he was moved to tears. Their relationship is like father and daughter, and he has never referred to her as his stepdaughter. “I just felt like it was a heartwarming letter for other people to know that a stepparent doesn’t always mean that you have to hate them,” Pat said. Leo has been there for DeGrassi when she got her first car, for the birth of her three children and Lessons learned from Dad Mary Pat DeGrassi Homer Glen resident Angels are sometimes disguised not only as fathers, but stepfathers, too. When I was a young girl, my parents divorced, and each remarried. In grade school, I disliked my stepfather — why? Because he sat with me to do my homework and actually made me cross my T’s and dot every I. If my schoolwork wasn’t done correctly, he would erase, and I would do it over again and again, until it was right. I also had to help my mom with my chores, whether it was cleaning my room, cutting the grass or doing the dishes. A short time later, they blessed me with a little brother. I think I initially resented that not only because I was now a built-in babysitter, but because it ended my reign as a (spoiled) only child. Over the years, he taught us both about living a good and honest through all of life’s ups and downs. “Leo is very easygoing,” Pat said. “He’s very kind and helpful, and just whenever she needed anything he was there, but at the same token, if it was something he felt was not right, he let her know.” About 14 years ago, Pat and Leo moved from Oak Lawn to Homer Glen to be closer to their children. DeGrassi’s younger brother, Michael, lives in Lockport. They both life. One of his favorite sayings is, “You know what you did, and as long as you know that you did the right thing, then don’t worry about what others think or say.” Leo teaches by example; he taught us how to be understanding parents, painters, a mechanic, carpenter, plumber, gardener and best friend. I don’t know what my kids would do without their papa. They, too, have learned so much from him. Leo/dad/papa — with patience — is right beside me, my brother, and most important these days, my kids, teaching us all how to work together as a team, for the good of all. The best gifts in life don’t always come wrapped in shiny paper and bows. My mom gave me the best gift ever over 40 years ago — a stepfather named Leo. He may not be my biological father, but he definitely deserves the title of “Dad.” help out their parents, with DeGrassi coming to cut their lawn and her brother helping with things around the house, as well. Since Leo was diagnosed, the family has dinner together every Friday night at their home. They’ve always been a closeknit family, but now even more so. “Leo has just been awesome,” DeGrassi said. “He’s always been there for me, like I wrote in the letter.” teacher From Page 7 vocate when she needed some extra help.” It’s rewarding for her to see her former students make a name for themselves doing what they love and being successful. Hohnstedt hopes that through all they’ve accomplished, she’s been able to make a mark on their life. “I take my kids personally, and every kid needs an advocate somewhere along the line, so even if I know the kid is a little stinker sitting in the dean’s office, I will go so they have someone on their side,” Hohnstedt said. Thirty-eight years after working in Kentucky, Hohnstedt still keeps in touch with many parents of the students she taught there, and she still keeps in touch with those who graduated from LTHS, including Bradley-Pantoja. “She genuinely cares,” Bradley-Pantoja said. “Whereas most teachers once you graduate [say], ‘They’re out the door, OK,’ but [Hohnstedt] genuinely cares.” On May 23, special education teacher Sue Herring got her social skills class together and threw a science-themed retirement party for Hohnstedt. “The students came up with everything they needed,” Herring said. “They wanted a science theme, because it was their favorite class with her.” There was a photo booth, streamers, balloons, flowers and a giant card where each student wrote encouraging words about Hohnstedt. Outgoing, energetic, nice, happy and funny were just some of the adjectives students used to describe their beloved teacher. Herring has worked with Hohnstedt for nine years and said she’s been a great mentor to her and a great person to work with. “I just think she’s an amazing person and deserves a happy retirement, and we wanted to give her one last surprise from the students that she’s impacted,” Herring said. Hohnstedt’s plans for retirement include moving closer to her son in Lombard to spend more time with her two grandchildren, as well as travel to visit her two brothers and daughter. “Life is good,” she said. “I want to make the most out of the remainder of my life.” As for advice to her fellow teachers: Embrace the children they teach. “I would tell them to embrace the kids, embrace the curriculum, because the kids are the reason why we’re here, she said. “We just have to make it the most for them and the best experience.”
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