That knocking at my door is opportunity and change. One of my favorite musical/lyricist is the late great Neil Peart of the band Rush. His words inspire me, and right now what’s playing in my brain are lyrics from their song Tom Sawyer: “Changes aren’t permanent, but change is.” Some changes are insignificant (toothpaste brand? I dunno), while some are life-altering (NASA is returning to the Moon!). The one I am about to tell you about is pretty huge for my family, myself, and a whole bunch of people who I care deeply for.
This year, I am stepping away from the middle school classroom that I have called home for the past 27 years. I have asked for, and have received, a one-year leave of absence from my school district. I’m calling it a sabbatical, since that’s what the college profs. say. During this sabbatical, I will be working as a consultant with Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in the area of transitional health for individuals with Duchenne and Becker. I have been consulting with PPMD since 2019 and working with them since 2002. The good news is that people who live with these types of MD have seen years of increased life-span. I have friends with DMD who are in their 40’s, which is awesome. The not so-good-news is that clinics, as well as quality of life, is lagging behind the medical accomplishments that have taken place allowing these individuals longer life.
I am excited, nervous, confident, and driven all at the same time. I feel a lot like I do when I taught my first ever class of 6th graders way back in August of 1995. I had a 45-minute class, and I was so jacked up that I gave my whole opening day talk in 20 minutes. I looked at the clock in my silent room with 28 pair of eyes on me on the first day of school, and I thought….uh-oh, what do I do now? My memory is blurry after looking at the clock, but knowing me, I told a few jokes, shared a few stories and thought….how can I connect with all the people in front of me.
I plan to do exactly that for the next year. Changes aren’t permanent, but change is.
Stay safe, stay awesome, and stay tuned.
Patrick moeschen 
You are and continue to be one of the most inspirational people I have ever met! This is such a fantastic opportunity for you and all of the lives you will impact with your knowledge and experience of living and thriving in this world while dealing with MD…. I am soooo excited for you and for all the families out there that will benefit from your insight… so proud of you
Have a great year! I know you will have a huge impact on everyone you touch! Good Luck!
You are and always have been a great teacher. This opportunity gives you the chance to use your educational skills, your life experience, your personality and your sense of humor to help others outside your classroom. I am proud to know you.
Thank you Jay for the kind words. Right back at you. You were one of my early mentors and you always supported the band kids and me as well. Let’s do dinner soon my friend.
Would love to reconnect. I have some great Moe stories. Keep in touch. BTW – you have a great wife.
Mr Mocheschen you have touched all three of my kids lives in such a magnificent way that your teachings and love live with them every day.
I have told you that I am your biggest fan. And it is true. I have met many famous people but none compare to you. You have a gift of bringing people alive as you did year after year with the Jazz Band.
Thank you for being an Angel on Earth. We are honored to to know you. We will always pray for you and be there if you need us.
The Brito Family loves you Mr Moeschen. God bless you!!!
I wish you all the wonderful things you deserve in your new adventure. Your teachings, friendship and guidance for out daughter when she was your student have carried her to a music profession and passes support & kindness to her clients (students) as you so graciously did for her and MANY others before and after she learned from you!
All the best to you Pat. I’m sure you will as great a job there as you have always done in the musical world as a judge and as a teacher. The are fortunate to get you.