Gathered together in our school library is the circle of friends from my years of teaching sixth grade math at Maryville Intermediate School. I was so touched that they came to celebrate the finale of a very difficult season with me! Thank you, everyone, for your kindnesses and your encouragement during my time there. I couldn't wait to celebrate with you!!
I began teaching sixth grade on the Stingray team at MIS in the fall of 2000, and at that time, I really had no idea about the difficult road of infertility that lay ahead of me. My years at MIS were unforgettable in so many ways, and it was there that God molded me, sculpted me, refined me, comforted me and taught me the often painful but necessary lessons of humility, submission and not comparing myself to others. I now reflect as I write this on the many times I walked up the stairs to my classroom with a heavy heart but a joyful heart because I was doing what I loved to do: teaching and encouraging children.
The pages of my story there are filled with ink spilling out onto the page, each page barely able to contain all of the memories of joy mixed with suffering and heartache. I remember vividly the day of my miscarriage in 2002 during 7th period and the flood of wishes from faculty and students afterwards. I remember where I was standing in my classroom when 911 happened. I remember all too well the passing of a student and a dear friend/teaching assistant, on two different mornings, two different years. I remember so much. My colleagues became like family to me, and I'd still do anything for any of them.
I remember countless procedures and bloodwork that took me away from my 1st period class, and the monthly disappointments of not being able to start a family. I remember the children I taught, the students I dearly loved, even the difficult ones. They all needed so much love and the gift of encouragment which I know the Lord has given me. I know I was there for a purpose during those years. Teaching was my heart and still is, and I dearly miss the profession, the many children who walked through my door, and my colleagues.
I resigned my position in 20O3 to pursue more serious fertility treatments, and I remember that it was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. I will always cherish my time there and remember how God changed me in the midst of the struggle there. My keyboard and desk were wet with my tears on too many days to count, but the joy from teaching those precious children far outweighed that grief. Thank you, Father, for my years there. Thank you for those children, some of whom you know I am still petioning you about, and thank you, dear dear friends, for standing beside me and helping me. Janet Weigand, my TA who is now with Jesus, thank you for those time you allowed me to go in for bloodwork by starting my class for me. I know you're rejoicing with me now! And now...
These gracious friends hosted my shower. It was beautiful! THANK YOU Wendy, Eva, Michelle, Barbara and Donna! Debbie, one of my dearest friends/colleauges in the world, wasn't able to be there, but I know she was there in spirit. I love you all!
Here we are together again! It's a shower today - not a faculty meeting! :)
Ava posing in the hat given to her by Beth Fain. She wears this everywhere now that it's turning colder outside! It's so cute on her!
These are two of my great friends, Whitney and April, who I shared a lot of laughs and tears with during my time of teaching at MIS! I miss you guys!
After the shower, we headed to my Aunt Syd's house for a family birthday celebration. Ah, it feels good to sit down and just rest...
I love this picture of my Mom and Ruthie, my grandmother. These are sweet moments together for my family these days as my grandmother struggles with Alzheimers. We love her so much and remember many a family meal and party that she prepared for us through the years. I miss your chocolate pie, Ruthie!
Ruthie just stares at Ava. She is so taken with her. I love this picture of them together.
Here's me and my little cousin, Katie, who's a senior in high school this year! She hopes to pursue a degree in marine biology someday. Maybe she can help me with my fear of sharks! This picture was taken shortly before they whisked me away to the emergency room! More on that in the next post! That's part of why it's taken me so long to get all of these posts up! :)
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