Staying at Home.

Work is coming to an end. It is going to be very sad for me. I love my job. It has been the hardest year teaching for me, because some of my kids were defiant, had ADHD, came from very rough families, or were so amazing I wanted them for my own. When I go to sleep at night, I love knowing that my babies (they hate when I call them this) know I will be there for them. Some of my kids make me a better me. They teach me to be thankful for everything I have. They teach me not to judge any type of community, because unless you have lived someone's life, there is no way you can judge how you would live it. I will always remember my children. I love them, pray for them, and carry their lessons for a lifetime.

I have decided to stay at home with you and your brother, because I want to have those years with you. This is not something I take lightly. Many stay-at-home moms do not get the credit they deserve. Many of my friends who stay at home miss their careers terribly, talk with children all day long, and don’t always feel that big sense of accomplishment. I am told you will feel the up-most accomplished when your kids are grown. Being at home with you part-time this year was extremely rewarding. We did so many things together. We always looked for an adventure, and I will always remember our time together. I will never regret seeing you and your brother grow every step of the way. I already have friends asking me when I am going to put Cealy in school. I can't even imagine not being with you all day my little Ceal. I will do my best to teach you everyday, and then let go when I have to.

I will cherish our time together, because I know how hard it is for working moms to work all day and not see their kids all the time. It can be exhausting. It is a prayer I say during the day. "Thank you Lord for allowing me this time with Cealy. I know many mothers would do anything for it."

So as I leave, I have a heavy heart. I know I will go back. I can’t promise I will work in the inner city. It is extremely challenging, and the workload is at times unthinkable. However, I have a feeling I will be pulled in that direction. I believe everyone has a calling and most times God needs me there. I thank my school in Chicago for allowing me the opportunity to grow into the teacher I have become in those three years. I thank some of the community for embracing me and many of the moms for treating me with such respect and love. You are my family.