Wonderfully Exhausted

Early out of bed for swim team practice, trying to keep my eyes open.  Morning came too soon.

Coffee, a shower, off and running to start the day.

Small children breaking their line to give hugs, crying little ones not wanting to leave mom, only to find them laughing and enjoying themselves later in the day.  The smell of new paint, fresh school supplies, everything shiny and new.

Late meetings, worrying about little ones, being part of a team that makes a difference, problem solving together, doing whatever it takes.

Then home to my first charges, listening about their day, instant messaging just to stay in touch, being so proud of who they are.

It's been a good day.

Perfectly Imperfect Week

     This week has been anything but perfect.  It seems that every time I started to make headway, something came up and interrupted.  Meetings, phone calls, late deliveries all worked to keep me from moving forward with moving into and setting up my class.  But you know what?  Now that I'm sitting and reflecting on this week, I wouldn't have it any other way.
     See, all of those interruptions, late deliveries and phone calls were the little things that make me better at my job, both as a teacher and a mother.  The phone calls were just about connecting with the kids, making sure they had everything they needed, and just talking and goofing around with them.  The meetings were about procedures and events that need to take place in the next few days to ensure we are effective at school.  The deliveries both at home and school were the little things that make those spaces unique and personal.
     I didn't feel this good about these things during the week.  It wasn't until our last "meeting" that it all hit me how perfectly imperfect his week was.  We, the teachers and administrators on our campus, spent two hours team building.  We started off thinking, "I really could be spending this time in my classroom!" and ended up working together and laughing so hard that my cheeks hurt at the end of the day.
    It's easy to get bogged down in the details of things.  But that team building time just brought our minds back to the task at hand and reminded us that all of these things we may stress about are not what we're about.  It's all about the relationships with these families, and having a part in guiding them from where they are to where they need to be.
    So begins a perfectly imperfect beginning to hopefully a perfectly imperfect new year.

Completely Gone

There've always been lingering questions:  Maybe I was wrong.  Maybe I misread.  Maybe, what if, question mark.

But recent realizations and events solidified my original decision.  There are no questions left.  They meant for evil, but all is good.  Surprisingly good.   I know I am not required to give any of it another thought.  My conscience is clear, and I'll lose no sleep.

Godspeed.

Happy Friday 13th, Dad! ;)

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. He turned 74 and still has a lot of get up and go. :)  I love this picture of dad with the three of us:  Steve, me and Chris.  It brings back a lot of warm memories.

Dad was a hands on dad, and not a do as I say, not as I do dad.  He patiently taught us, played with us, and listened to us.  We had great talks.

It was around the time this picture was taken that I realized I was going to die someday.  The idea of mortality hit me.  I got up crying, wondering how I would go, when, if it would hurt.  He told me God gives us grace when that time comes.  That was enough for me, and I slept well that night.

He built us a treehouse.  Two stories.  I remember the first time I made it to the second floor by myself!  You had to get there by rope.  My floor had my play stove and sink, and mom would give me water and flour in one of my play pans so I could "cook."  It was a great playhouse.

I remember Dad sitting us down at a card table and using my doll dishes to teach Steve and me about table manners.  I've wondered for years what prompted that lesson!

I know there's a lot in the news lately about the importance of dads in a kids' life.  I can testify that my dad gave me such a good foundation with relationships, trusting, and loving.  It's easy to learn it when you've been given that love unconditionally!

Love you, Dad!  I've always wondered how I ever managed to get the best Dad in the world!
 

Why So Serious?

Sometimes play is good.

22 years ago tomorrow

I was setting up the reception area. Picking up cake. Getting my hair did, and joining girlfriends at the church.

I was a tad nervous. Not about the event, but about standing up in front of people, all eyes on T and me.

It was a good day with loved ones all around. Thinking back, it's sad because there are quite a few that were there, but are no longer with us now: Chris, Mamaw, Papa, Aunt Leila, Uncle Johnnye, George. My dad officiated. Papa read from I Corinthians 13. That I remember.

I remember looking at T and thinking "Here we go!" I got to start my life with my best friend. I know that sounds like such a cliche, but for us it's real. That friendship has sustained us through some pretty rough times, and has made this union what it is: something that is real and genuine, full of respect and affection.

I'm so glad that we met. I'm so glad I got past not liking him for giving me a hard time for asking for extra ketchup. I'm glad we worked through the long distance relationship, and I'm glad we took that step. We owe Darby a huge debt for setting us up on that first date!

I love you, Big Dad! You're my hero.