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it's 4:49.
i am watching "music from the heart" and bawling my eyes out. i've seen it before - but tonight - i mean today - it's moving me so much. i know i talk about photography quite a bit - and i can't deny the fact that i am just wild about photography and how God had so generously given me this gift - this opportunity....
but maybe you didn't know how very blessed i consider myself to be a teacher. it's been two weeks since i've been at school (recovering from a gall bladder operation) and i miss my students so much. from the trio of boys who get my ice for my water everyday to the ones who love to help me keep my work area spic -n- span. i miss the ones who ask me a thousand questions (often the same ones) everyday.
and 4th grade is the best!!! we do have those crazy proficiency tests :( but i love this age group - they are funny! they get my jokes!!! but they're still sweet - haven't started that jr. high attitude thing yet.
and to top it all off - i get to work with one of my very best friends nancy. she is so good to me.
it's a blessing - i tell you - to have the chance to spend 9 months with a kid - you can make a big difference in 9 months! i am not always the most organized teacher - my principal recently gave me a great review (but he noted my tendency to get off-topic - heehee) but i really love all my students. they are these little people who will go on to possibly make a difference in the world.
right now - i think back to my elementary school years - i had a few really mean teachers - but thank God i had a few teachers who provided a safe and loving environment. i'll never forget mrs. bevens who let us spend the night with her!!!!! and mrs. levier who made me believe i was really smart and mr. burkitt who could have written the book on how to be an effective teacher.
i want my students to always look back on 4th grade with a smile on their face. i want them to learn - and achieve - and pass the dang proficiency test!!! but honestly - more than that - i want them to know how much they are valued - i want them to love who they are. -
okay i am really tired.
i am still sore from the surgery - a couple places that aren't healing right. i see my surgeon on tuesday - hopefully he'll give me the thumbs up to return to work. i think steve is really ready for me to go back!!!
i have been showered with flowers and cards and homemade chicken noodles - and i am so very thankful for the love and thoughtfulness of friends.
good night.