5/19/12

How many left turns does one have to make before one comes FULL CIRCLE?? (I'm keeping track..)




(This is a work of COMPLETE fiction.)


Once upon a time there was a woman who, after some strange twists and turns, chose a career that she was convinced might make her happy.

She thought, naively, that if her parents had died young that she in turn would die young.  She decided, after losing her mother, to find job that she would love.  She left law school and become a teacher. (Lucky for HER, it was a perfect match.)

She never looked back.

She was thrown many a curve ball in her life – and never let it get her down. (She never doubted that a classroom was where she felt most comfortable, and where she could probably do her best work.)  And when life handed her heartbreak, she smiled through most of it and remembered that each step, each stumble, each roadblock, each gift and each miracle was a part of her journey.  She knew that most people had far greater burdens to carry and that her particular ones were insignificant and too small to trifle with. 

Along her journey she made many choices in her life, and she was so thankful that one brought her some incredible children.  And then, somewhat later in her life, she realized that she had the power to choose happiness.  And so she did.

And through the latest part of her journey she had the knowledge deep in her heart that while some things might change, she always – always had her incredible job in kindergarten.

That is, until today.  


She went to work in an amazingly great mood, like she did every morning; ready to greet the day with a smile and great expectation.

She glanced quickly at her email before the kids arrived and saw something like this, “Mr. Principal would like to see you in his office after school.   Your union rep will be with you.”

Because the number of children in this teacher’s building were dwindling there was a need to remove one teaching position in another grade.  Because none of the 28 classroom teachers volunteered to move to another building, the principal was forced to make a hard decision.

And he did.


After 23 years of faithful service in the same building- this particular kindergarten teacher was told that she was moving to another building. The building and grade were still up in the air, but the move was not.

Instead of being angry or bitter (Well, she might have been for a FEW hours) she chose to embrace this left turn with her whole heart.  She knew that there were many young teachers in the building who were amazing, and who she knew were agonizing over the thought that THEY might be asked to go.

She realized the she was by far more equipped to handle a shake-up than these fragile young people.  Oh sure, she had taken an incredible left turn in shaking up her OWN life and was just beginning to feel like a real person again, but why NOT have another life changing event come along?   WHY NOT?

And while the teacher shops for a proper thank-you card to send, she is feeling incredibly blessed.  She might mourn the loss of team members who are more like family than friends….and she might mourn leaving families she has come to know and love…but she is celebrating tonight.


She is celebrating the fact that she has been offered another crazy left-turn, and is looking forward to ANOTHER new adventure in her life.



(And Bitchy?  After hearing the news about this mythical teacher... left her mother a little, monumental gift. )







And so endeth the lesson. 









(But doesn't SOME school near a beach need a teacher? SOMEWHERE?)

49 comments:

♥ Braja said...

Far out. BTW, that left turn? Comes with a complimentary kick in the pants which dissolves entirely in vodka....
:))

McKenna said...

I love how the character in your story handles these twists and turns with such grace. Her new school will be lucky to have her.

Ann Imig said...

I love that you choose to trust your path. I love that you have faith, even when it's hard.

That is very difficult and so wise.

I've recently learned that curiosity is the antidote to anxiety--that you literally can't hold both in your brain simultaneously.

Thanks for the reminder.

Sending you hugs and peace

Brian Miller said...

glad you are rolling with it...what can you do you know...oy...walk on...

Irish Gumbo said...

Good card, that.

And that left turn...just keep turning...peace, love and warm thoughts to you, my dear.

IG

Unknown said...

Fresh starts look good on ya my dear...and that's not a fictitious statement. :)

absees123s said...

I, too, after 24 years in K, was moved two years ago...I won't say it's always been easy, but it's been challenging, exciting and worthwhile. I'm excited for this new turn...and love your blog!

ChiTown Girl said...

Oh.My.Hell.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't devastated about this. I'm obviously not as mature or evolved as you are. :(

I see you've decided to roll with it, unlike some people, who choose to be unemployed... ;-)

Everyday Goddess said...

Angels guide your every step so let them take you to new heights and new joys! Trust and love!!!

Alexis said...

Our daughters....sigh. Thank God for our daughters, eh?? It's not the mortar and brick. You so already know it's not the mortar and brick. What you have they can't alter. The gift you so willingly share they can't impede. Continue to ride the river with its twists and turns. THAT example is part of what you give to the kids and the other teachers around us (and us because, ya know....it's part of you). Float along. The older I get the less I like change but the more able I am to roll with it. Besides, laying in the hallway and kicking your feet and screaming just makes your shoes and dress dirty and makes your face puffy.

Scope said...

At least it was to a new building, not out to the parking lot.

Neeroc said...

I certainly can't wait to read about her adventures just slightly left of here.

MANDI said...

Wow, that's a left turn and a half. Good luck with your new adventure - you know we'll all be right there with you.

Daphne said...

I'm less than a mile from the beach and as luck would have it, my very own "Frank With Ponytails" is starting kindergarten next year; head on down! Truly, you amaze me on so many levels.

Gigi said...

Oh wow - that came out of left field, didn't it? But then, don't most changes?

You are handling the challenge with grace and, at the same time, are reminding some of us (oh, okay. ME) that we should do the same.

SkylersDad said...

I was so afraid that you had been let go, I almost didn't read to the end. I am happy you get to move to a different building, but sad for leaving behind the one you love.

Japolina said...

Good Luck VodkaMom. Xoxo

Cora said...

When my daughter and I moved to Chicago from Seattle, we had lots of mixed feelings about it. Just before starting her brand new school where she didn't know a single person there, she had a physical with her brand new pediatrician. Upon hearing we had just moved, the doctor spent a lot of time talking to my kiddo about her feelings and fears and all the newness in her world.

The doctor said to her, "I believe in fate and destiny. You have moved here because there is something calling you here. You are meant to be here right now or else you wouldn't be. Don't worry about what used to be, you go out there and find out why the universe brought you here and you embrace it. You promise?"

That meant a lot to my kiddo, who walked into her brand new school with her head held high and made more friends on her first day here than she did in all thirteen years combined back in Seattle! She did exactly what the doctor said and embraced it with gusto.

And I know you will too. :-)

Enjoy your new adventures! I can't wait to hear about them!

MaryBeth said...

Several thoughts,
1. You are awesome - embrace this left turn - we are all learning from you.
2. Their is a parent somewhere close by who is praying that their child is going to get an amazing teacher next year - they don't know the building...
3. Bitchy is your daughter alright - takes after her amazing mother!

That gentleman's lady said...

still rooting for you vodka, regardless of what building you're in :)

PS - you might get TWO franks next time....

Notes From ABroad said...

You plan and you plan, then Life happens.

I can only think that you are someone I wish I had known most of my life and I am thankful to "know" you now, you are so great.
And your daughters know it too ..
love you.. all the luck in the world to you on your Next Adventure !!!!

booksandcandy said...

wow so many of your readers have said so many great things all I could think of is WTF that's not fair. I can't wait to hear all about you new adventures !

S said...

Like a cat, you always land on your feet. Paws. Whatever. xo

A Speckled Trout said...

I have never done well with change, but this post........well, you define grace and I wish you a building full of love, learning, energy and stories.

anniep said...

As our little 'Frank' says..."M.O.G! I am so proud of your bravery and attitude. After 28 years in my happy little kindergarten world I am afraid they might have to pry my fingers from my door knob to get me to another assignment. You rock!

Kathy at kissing the frog said...

This happened to me when I was teaching, but I handled it far less graciously than the "character" in your story, who BTW, seems to have a very supportive and insightful daughter. Wishing "you" the best at your new school, and here's to lots of great new stories. I can't wait to read them!!

Anonymous said...

oh, the places you'll go........

(just realized that Frank is going to have to change schools with you 'cause you need his smiling face)

Anonymous said...

now that's an ROC

Anonymous said...

**ration of crap**

Anne said...

Gulp...Good Luck... Go forth and conquer! You will rock it ~ where ever you are and in what ever grade. You will be amazed at how independent the other grades are compared to where you have been.

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Yikes, you are one brave woman. Can't wait to see where this path takes you :)

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Love to you, Vodka! You can and will do this! xo

Linda M. said...

I can only hope that this left turn out of nowhere would lead to my building, because I would LOVE to work with you...

And, if you need it, I just bought a bottle of mandarin orange vodka to go with some cranberry juice!

Suzy said...

And you know what I feel about left turns...it's the universe getting you out BECAUSE YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!!!

(and boy is my life proof of that)

jwg said...

Just the thought of cleaning and sorting all those years of materials makes me want to cry. You are taking this far better than I would. Can't you file a grievance or something or does you union lay down an play dead? And yes, Frank must go with you.

Vodka Mom said...

I was out of town today with a DEAD cell phone and three teenaged boys. I am so, so thankful for the comments and encouragement.

I will face the sun, as I always do, and hide my heart until it is whole again...


xxx

Anonymous said...

I know this is a bit out of "left" field, and I know you love teaching kindy kids, but do you think that the universe might be suggesting a new career? One of writing full time?

Just wondering, because I think you are more than capable.

Vodka Mom said...

Oh Anonymous, you have read my mind.

And I thank you for believing in me.

Ellie Mae said...

You amaze me yet again with your positive attitude. I am thinking that there must be children in the new building who REALLY need you as their teacher. And at first, I was completely in agreement with booksandcandy's comment!
HOW can they let a teacher of your caliber go?
Superlative best wishes and only good things to come your way <3

angie said...

I just want to cry for you having to go through packing your second home after 23 years. :(

Stacie@hometownperch said...

Okay, I didn't see this one coming at all--as it sounds like you didn't either.

I'm sad for you. But also excited to learn about the characters at the new school--a different Ms. Perky, Jack, and the other great folks you have introduced us to over the years.

Best wishes with the transition.

Anonymous said...

Aw now, the beach sun ages us all, the next classroom of little ones will keep you (and us) staying or at least thinking young.

Will be thinking of you,
faithful follower

Anonymous said...

The new building will be soooooo lucky to have you, my dear. Would have been nice if the Principal had a bottle of Vodka there to soften the blow. You will do just fine, as you are a very strong woman, it is your old building that should be worried. It will be very quiet. Come to the cape and we'll try and find you a job, if not you can just sit on the beach all day in your bikini and watch the water. A new adventure! You will be just fine! Sue's Mom.

Sherri said...

You will be awesome no matter where you go. You're wonderful in this way:) HOWEVER, if you were a beloved teacher to one of my small children, that Principal would be in deep doo doo. I'd be knocking on his door to have a "chat".

Exceptional teachers are incredibly hard to come by and losing a wonderful teacher can be traumatic to a child.

The universe is clarifying the need for you to make the little ones immortal in print.

Blessings to you sweetie.

Vodka Mom said...

I am still recovering and reeling. Found out today that I will not be in kindergarten.

Working to come to terms with this, and still maintain my smile.

My heart is heavy.

Dawn said...

Praying for you and your journey...

Our hearts are heavy for you as well.

Sue said...

Not sure how this even happens to you when you clearly have seniority over others that are in the building. does that mean nothing in Oregon ;). I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Cannot wait to hear about your new adventures!

angie said...

It's bad enough to have to move buildings but to give up Kindergarten??? I feel for you!

Robbie K said...

what a shock! I've moved schools a few times and changed teams (in pre-k I usually have 2 assistants) and it's like losing a member of your family. Good luck with everything! If anyone can handle it you can!