(Photo: iphone)
I have my days when I'm driving to work dreading my day, just thinking....
I think of... how exhausted I am. I think of... wanting to curl up on the couch with my son-both of us in pajama mode all day. I think of... the day when I will be a stay at home mom. I think of... how I need to wake up because my students need to see the upbeat, positive, non-sluggish side of me as soon as they walk into my classroom. And then before I know it, I am lost in a sea of random thoughts.
I decided to return to work because this school year is different from the rest. This is the year I officially become a tenured teacher (insert applause here) and it is the year I get my refund from the state. Yes, kind of shallow I know, but heck I deserve it! :)
But seriously who am I kidding? These reasons are minuscule. I work for the daily gratification that I receive. For the days like today when we started class with a discussion about September 11th and ended class with a roomful of heartfelt letters dedicated to firefighters. Not only did my students write letters, they also contributed to the purchase of a gift card for the local fire station. (Yes, I'm smiling too!)
I'm hoping my son understands my reasoning on why I'm not home with him. I hope he supports mommy, knowing she is helping close to one hundred kids a day. :)
You are a fantastic teacher (and mother) and those kids need people like you in their lives everyday. Being a working mom is no easy task but the example you are giving your students and Jake is an honorable one! Btw, class room looks perfectly clean, how does it stay that way?!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanna! I miss Jake a lot when I'm at work but I'm glad the area that we teach in enables me to be home by 3 and spend a lot of time with him before bed. My hat goes off to those that work 9-5 and don't get to spend much time at all with their little ones. My classroom stays like that because a clean environment puts me in a good mood :) My kids say I have a disorder when it comes to being organized. LOL!
ReplyDeleteHe will Heather. Jake will understand and will be supportive. I'm sure you are raising a kind and gentle little man. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI agree with Joanna...those kids need an amazing role model like you in their lives. I know you miss Jake, but take comfort in knowing that he has two amazing parents (not to mention wonderful family and extended family) that are going to raise him to be a wonderful person. Not all of your kids may have someone so inspiring to look up to. As Jake gets older and he sees how you touch so many people, he will surely admire that and strive to do the same for those in his own life.
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