Back to School

Over the summer I caught a glimpse of a few kids I substituted last year. Most were busy with their families and very much unaware of me, but at Chuck E. Cheese last month one former fourth grader was having a birthday party. He was roaming about the place like everyone else. He was so happy to be there. He finally crossed my path enough times that he glanced my way. I could see by the expression in his face that he wondered if I recognized him. Through my eyes and the smile on my face, I acknowledged him from across the room. He held his hand up shly and rippled his fingers a few times to wave his recognition of me. Then he was off to play, not worried about school, but happy to have a summer fun filled day. But now it's...

Janna started school today. Sam starts tomorrow. So that means I could start working again. I wonder how much I will be working? Fifty laid off teachers have been added to the substitute teaching pool. My heart sank when I found that out. As I pondered the situation, the Spirit assured me that I would have the work that I needed, so I am at peace about it all.

It's not like I don't have anything to do around here. My parents have occupied the bulk of my time this summer trying to provide 24-hour care in their home. We're setting my mom up with an emergency button, our caregiver has increased her time, my girls are going to tradeoff afternoons during the week senior sitting, and I'll take the weekends. I even have my sister-in-law, JoLinda, here to help us get through the week while we wait for our emergency alert system to show up.

If I don't work much initially at school, it will be a good opportunity for me to get something done around my very neglected house. I've got plenty to do around here, there's no doubt about it!

"Education is not preparation for life;

education is life itself."

John Dewey