Someone's Favorite Teacher

A little over a week ago, I was perusing the aisles at the local Dollar Tree to pick up some essentials for my classroom. I cannot buh-leave how quickly second graders go through pencils! I swear, I think they eat them! I'm constantly having to restock various supplies, and the cheapest way to get what I need every few weeks is to pay a little visit to the Dollar Tree. I love the Dollar Tree because, well, everything is a DOLLAR and they have an amazing office supplies/teacher goodies aisle. 

So, I was hanging out in my favorite aisle, eying up some rulers, paperclips, pencils, and stickers when another shopper paused to look at the supplies that were accumulating in my cart. I smiled at her and moved out of the way so that she could get by. Instead of walking past, she asked, "Are you a teacher?" I glanced down into my cart and it was kinda obvious. Why else would I be buying items (rulers, pencils sharpeners) in quantities of 22 - ha! I explained that yes, I am a teacher. I told her that it's my first year, and I love shopping at the DT because it's so cheap. I told her I didn't mind spending the money; I love my job. 

The lady replied, "I think it's wonderful that you chose to be a teacher." She went on to tell me about her favorite teacher from 30 years ago. Up until 6th grade, this woman hated to read. However her 7th grade reading teacher helped her to develop a love for reading. She lit up as she told me that she has always loved reading ever since that year, and that she plans to look up the teacher who now resides at a local nursing home and go visit her. 

I smiled and enjoyed hearing her story. She thanked me again for choosing to become a teacher and then we went about our separate ways. I finished stocking up on my supplies and was looking for a few other items around the store.

About ten minutes later, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and to my surprise, the kind woman who had shared with me her feelings about her favorite teacher was standing before me, holding out a wad of cash. I was completely taken aback. 

"Here. This is for you." At this point I am shaking my head "no" and waving my arms in front of me and telling her that it was not necessary.

She said, "This is in good faith that you'll be someone's favorite teacher one day."

Through tears, I told her that I could not accept such a gift from a stranger. And her response to me was, "You can... and you will. Use it to buy what you need for your classroom. God bless you." I hugged her and thanked her, and she walked out of the store.    

I pray that I will be the teacher that God has called me to be.

Goodbye 2011... Hello, 2012!

Goals for 2012

-Read through the Bible

-Take two courses in ELL instruction and pass the ELL Praxis to earn the $2500 stipend for which I have been selected

-Lose another 10-15 pounds (down almost 20 pounds from last new year)

-Lord willing, start a family

-Go on vacation with my husband for the first time since our honeymoon (hmmm... that $2500 could come in handy for that!)

-Become more organized

-Blog more often :)

2011: The Year in Review

Year of 2011

-Mourned the loss of Nanny on 1/7/11, but rejoicing for the healing she received in its entirety as she crossed the bridge into eternity with her Lord and Savior. I can't imagine how awesome her days are as she worships with the angels. I miss her dearly, but I know for sure that she wouldn't want to come back to this life. And she wouldn't want us to be sad for her. I'll see her again one day :)

-Almost passed out upon watching the pregnancy test blink the word "PREGNANT" back at my unbelieving eyes on 1/24/11. Hugged and cried with my Hubby in our kitchen when I gave him the news.

-Was hired by Washington County Public Schools for a temporary position through the end of the 2010-2011 school year as an ELL Paraprofessional. I started this new position of traveling between three elementary schools in Washington County to work with ELL students in the first week of February 2011.

-Mourned the loss of my Pappy on 3/11/11. Just over two months after Nanny's passing, Pappy went on to join her in eternity. I can only imagine the rejoicing that took place at their reunion in Heaven. Thank God he's no longer suffering with COPD. As the anniversaries of their passing creep upon us, it's easy to be filled with sadness... but I know they wouldn't want us to grieve. Just trying to remember all of the special memories we made with them through the years.

 

-Lost my first baby on 3/17/11. My heart is still broken, but I know that my little one is being spoiled in Heaven by those of our family who have gone before us. I can't wait to get to Heaven to hold them in my arms!

-Started an exercise regimen of walking and began losing weight in April. 

 

-Walked across the stage at my graduation ceremony for my master's degree on 5/15. What an accomplishment, and what a relief to be finished that level of my education. 

-Was hired into my dream job less than 24 hours after interviewing at Pangborn Elementary School ten days after graduation on 5/25.

-Celebrated our sixth dating anniversary on Memorial Day Weekend. Feels like just yesterday we met in 2005.

-Started a summer job making $25 an hour, setting my own schedule in June. I worked in the homes of children with emotional problems. Some babysitting combined with goal setting and behavior modification... perfect summer job!

-Spent several gloriously lazy days lounging at Mom and Dad's new pool throughout the summer. The sunshine was therapeutic.

-Fluffed my best friend's wedding gown on her big day on June 25th.

-Turned 27 on July 24th.

-Spent three days at the beach with my Mom, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law in August. Many laughs, many memories. 

-Started the school year at the end of August as a second grade teacher. Spent numerous late nights in my classroom getting everything ready for the following day.

-Celebrated my husband's 36th birthday on 10/15.

-Enjoyed dinner and a movie to celebrate our third wedding anniversary on 10/18.

-Dropped to my knees in prayer for my mother-in-law after a fairly routine surgical procedure became the catalyst for several severe complications. (November 2nd - December 24). THANK GOD, He brought her through and she was able to be home with us Christmas Day.

It's been a long, trying year. Praising God for His faithfulness through it all.