This week
was one that I was grateful for this weekly post. Looking for the positive,
living a grateful life, is something I try to do always. When I find out hard
news, it is even more important. This week my town was saddened to hear of the
loss of one of our young people. My former student, Chelsea, had a car accident
and the injuries proved to be too much. Chelsea was a beautiful fourth grader
so many years ago. I remember her as being kind, funny, talented, and tall. J She had grown into a wonderful young person
and the world is a bit less for her leaving it. She will be missed.
There were upbeat
celebrations as well. Chris was out of town – and while that increases the work
I need to do at home, it also gives me the opportunity to spend even more time
with my boys. Liam uses it as a chance to steal his dad’s half of the bed – and
I do love that.
Also, we’ve entered a new
sports season. Baseball has started in full force and we’re juggling three
schedules of practices and games – two teams for Luke, one for Liam. Games
started this week and Liam was pretty excited. We even squeezed in a boys high
school game so the boys could see some of their former babysitters in action.
We also celebrated the life
of our dog, Bally, by purchasing some Hydrangea bushes and planting them – and
her ashes – in our yard. The boys helped and I finally felt a bit of closure as
we said our prayers and our good-byes.
I celebrated friendships. I
had applied for a fellowship with a fabulous education company. I found out
this week that I didn’t make the final group – which was actually fine. It
would have been a terrific experience, but I have so much I’m juggling that I
knew this was probably the better result for me. When texted my colleagues
that had written my letters of recommendation, I got such positive messages in
return. My friend, Wendy, sent me this. (I’m the text in blue, she is in grey.) I'm grateful to friends who remind me of what is worth celebrating.
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| My amazing students |
And we celebrated our
profession. Teacher Appreciation Week always makes me smile. I get cards from
students, school supplies, lots of chocolate and snacks. My favorite item,
however, would have to be letters and notes. Today I got one such note. Beyond
what I’ve recorded here, it truly was a week of ups and downs. One of those
where you love your job, but question – at times – whether you are being as
effective as possible. Sometimes I wonder what impact I’m having and pray for
the best. Today our secretary told me she had a delivery for me – a teacher
appreciation gift. She handed me a bag and I headed upstairs, my mind on the
million things I needed to do. Halfway down the hall, I peaked inside and
pulled out a letter. It was from a former student, Josh. He wrote me the
kindest note that brought tears to my eyes. I’ve already sent his mom a text to
thank them, but I want to do that publically as well. Some days, some weeks,
you just need to know that you made a difference. Josh, thanks. You’ve sent me
several notes over the past year and I appreciate each and every one, but today’s
was especially needed. And thanks to all of my students who went above and
beyond this week. I’m blessed to call teaching my profession and you guys are
what make each day worth it.
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| A note and gift from an amazing kid. |
