Christmas Wishes

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The last few weeks have made me think about my mom's yearly Christmas wish when we were all kids. We would ask her every year what she wanted, hoping to get a great idea of something perfect to wrap up for her and put under the tree. Every year without fail she would say, "I just want the three of you to get along." We never gave this wish much thought. In fact, it usually annoyed me because I knew that was something I couldn't buy for her with the money I had saved in my piggy bank. Her wish was too big, too impossible, and would have cost more than anything else we bought her. If you had asked 8 year old me if there would ever be a day where I would be friends with my brothers, I would have scoffed at your question and given you a quick recap of the day's arguments (a very dramatic recap of course).

So much has changed over the years. We've all three gone through our own transformations, met our better halves, and created our own lives here in Raleigh. I know that we wouldn't be as happy and successful as we are today without the incredible guidance and support from our parents. They have selflessly loved and encouraged us every step of the way and I could never thank them enough for what they have given me.

That being said, I am honored and blessed to say that my mom is going to get her Christmas wish again this year and for many years to come. The three of us not only get along, we're friends. I am so thankful for both Matthew and Michael. I know that I can count on my brothers for anything and we enjoy hanging out together. When a crisis comes, we are there for each other. I am so proud of both of them and I am proud to be their sister.

So Merry Christmas Mom. This gift was a long time coming, but you never stopped believing that it would happen.

The end of a chapter, the beginning of the next

As I drove away today from 700 Proctor St I was overwhelmed with emotions and memories.

Two years ago I walked into room 507 full of ideas and enthusiasm and surrounded by overturned desks, tables, and mountains of boxes. After settling in I walked down the hall and was met by another excited face, Bobbi-sue Wilson. That day I called my mom, cried a little about the condition of my room and told her I had made a friend. J

I was blessed with a wonderful team. Nikki tried to keep all of us newbies sane while keeping her own sanity as well. And as for my roommate Sarah E, the hilarious redhead who got hired right before school started, how could I have known how much she would mean to me? Those ladies are the only reason I made it through some days.

Year 2 brought a new teammate, VWall (Victoria) and new memories. All the moments, the good, the bad, the scary, the disheartening, the overwhelming, the embarrassing, they all shape us. They make us better teachers and more importantly better people.

So as I leave I want to hold on to the precious moments. The ones where I know I changed a child for the better. The ones where I know a child changed me for the better too. They will all hold a place in my heart. As for the people I leave behind, I learned from each of them as well.

Some people have this misconception that teaching is an easy job that anyone can do. I challenge them to try it for a day. On top of teaching our future leaders a litany of knowledge, we are mothers, nurses, counselors, mediators, facilitators, and motivational speakers… and I wouldn’t want to be in any other job. I love what I do.

Well they say, as one door closes, another one opens. So I as closed the door to room 507, I thought about all of the new adventures and lessons to be learned behind the new door waiting for me at North Ridge. I can’t wait! Thank you to everyone who helped me and loved me at ZES, especially my team. I will never forget you.