Has anyone ever asked you
why you do what you do? Have you ever questioned yourself? I do it OFTEN! Especially these last 6 years. I mean, I have loved being a SAHM, absolutely loved it, at least the Mom part of it, most days...
OK, BUSTED! It hasn't been all wine & roses, but it has been a complete blessing. To see the Big One go off to school and know that she has been brought up right and shows it in most all that she does. That is a great feeling. To have jammie days, too numerous to count, and just be at home playing, snuggling and being together. Those are some great memories. Even when they've been sick, knowing that I don't have to rearrange everything to get them to the doctor to feel better. But I have missed adult interaction, a reason to get showered and dressed daily:). And I would be lying if
I didn't say that our budget has missed me bringing home a paycheck. I've tried to help with side jobs, consignment and even subbing.
It is the latter that brings me to today's topic. I have just completed a 12 week maternity leave at the school. It was overwhelming and invigorating at the same time. My time spent there came just prior to the TEST. You know, the big state test with all the bubbles. My era likely recalls the ITBS. It is like that, only as an adult we are acutely aware of the many implications of the TEST. Accreditation, monies, etc. It was indeed a daunting task. I did my part in providing them with good test taking skills and strategies. As my days with them drew to a close, I knew it was most important not only that I taught them those and the information needed, but that they would succeed. If they believed in themselves and did their best they would ROCK that test.
Well, my tenure with them was finished last week. Today was the big assembly to get the whole school revved up for the TEST. I waited in the gym for the kids to enter. After putting in all that work, I wanted to be there to give them one last boost:). Well, I was in for a treat. I was hugged, high-fived and grinned to death. What a feeling! These kids know they have a big task ahead of them and they are ready! One even told me he was going to "knock that test out of the park". I don't care what percentile these kids reach. Knowing that they are going in to that test with confidence, fully believing in themselves, that is worth it to me. If you ever need to know your why, spend time with kids. Mine was made very clear to me today.
While I am taking these next 7 weeks"off" of my subbing career to focus on my little and big Why's at home, I am eagerly anticipating next year, when I reenter the classroom full time. And on those days when I wonder what I am doing. I'll come back and read this.
And remember,
100 years from now, it will not matter what your bank account was, what house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. The world may be different because you were important in the life of a child. -Unknown
