Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Change and Choices

It has been quite a while since I have written here.  It has been a difficult half of a year for my family. There has been a a big changes since the last post that unfortunately somewhat fit the title of this blog.  Living in the mode that "Everything Happens for a Reason."  So to catch up here you go...

Shortly after my last post the school where I worked at and the kiddos went was closed.  This was a surprise to all involved staff and administration.  It didn't officially close until the end of the school year but the announcement was made in January.  To our community this was devastating.  Like a family we loved each other but had our differences but as the principal once said, "You are here for a reason."  At first I didn't believe it but shortly there after I did and believe it even stronger today.  Being a teacher you not only teach kids but you are a major part of their life, often spending more time with them then their own families.  I love the kids and enjoy what I do so for me this was not losing a job or a school, it is losing a family.

We were a growing and vibrant school that was a leader in academics.  Kids and classes placed high nationally in math, students earned many awards and placements from the area private schools, won sports championships here and there, but most importantly had a school and academic system that was being toured around the country to universities.  Our school was special.

With that we preserved until the end of the year wanting to hold on as long as we could but in the end we had to make choices. These choices were not easy and have many of us going in completely different directions.

So in the past 6 months we have had to find a new school for our kids, which in itself was difficult because we had no intention of looking for a new school.  I had to find a new job without the intention of looking for one. And we had to come to grips with the whole situation.  It was and sometimes still very difficult.

Thankfully all of our teachers had found jobs, and all staff that were actively looking had found a job.  With all this change one thing remained constant, our staff has remained a tight group. We all could have gone our separate ways but instead I think we have grown closer as a group and that is how I know my school was special.

Beyond the closing the hardest part was making the right choice, everyday I hope that we have.  Fortunately I get to teach my kids school as I found a job there, and the first day we as a family attended a mass there I heard some very familiar words in the welcome, "You are meant to be here."

It is still a very hard pill to swallow but we had our first day recently and met the kids where apparently I am meant to be.  You know it is a good thing when you get a couple of unexpected hugs from kids you just meant.

Just not sure yet if we made the choice or if it was made for us but in the end my kids are happy and therefore I am.

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