Holidays

It feels strange not being in the classroom around the holidays.  Last year I went on leave of absence around this time due to many reasons.  It was the hardest decision I ever made.  I had such a sweet class.

Having this time off should have been heavenly but it has been draining.  I miss losing myself in the classroom.  When you walk in the door as a teacher, everything else fades away and those children are your priority for the next several hours.

My time off has been emotionally challenging.  I lost my favorite uncle three days before Christmas last year and my Dearest Dad just three months later to the day.  While still grieving for my Dad, my short term disability insurance decided to stop paying and that has led to a whole new array of stressors.

I've been blessed to have extra time with my darling daughter and to be off when I lost my Dad.  All these dramatic changes has prompted me to chase my dream of my own small business.  I do miss the structure of teaching.  It had been my life for so long.

This used to be my favorite time of year in the classroom.  Now my perspective has broadened some because I realize that for some children (and adults) the holidays can be painful.  With this being the first holiday without my Dad it will be quite emotional.  It makes me think of the children whose parents are deployed or ill or divorcing.

The holidays are a time to celebrate and hold dear ones close but please open your eyes to see those who may be hurting and try to reach out and do a little extra to brighten their day.

Just a thought...

Boy I miss teaching...