New Loves

I

   If I said that teaching was easy and that I always felt successful at making my students successful, I would be lying. Every period, day, year, and especially every student is different.  Last year I came very near to giving up.  I felt as if my heart couldn't keep going. 

  Getting Libby through her senior year following Deep Brain Stimulator implants, Grandmother falling and moving to a nursing home, my Mom not dealing with Grandmother being gone at all, new teaching position for me, and more stressors that I can't list made the last school year a challenging one- to put it lightly.

 

  I lost both of my Grandmothers within a six month period, moved my mom into a house of her own, the complete detachment of family members, loss of friendships due to work stuff- too much loss. 

  But what I gained was a chance to be schooled by an amazing group of students.   Every year I learn so much, this past year I was changed.   This year I was schooled.  This group of students had been with Liberty since her freshman year.  They made her their Queen and changed many other lives in the process. 

  

   Liberty has now completed her first week of college and everyone survived. 

  At our first Pep Rally on Thursday, I realized that the new group of students  I have are mine and will continue to teach me, as I will try to teach them. 

  

  So, I took down the Hall of Fame pictures from last year. I took them down because they are moving on. They have their wings and need to go forward. Their pictures will live with all of my other past loves.   

  I can't ever close a door to a student, it's my job to help them open many.   Much love and belief to Class of 2015- go and be extraordinary! 

Joy and promise to Class of 2016! 

Gettin' schooled

The time is almost here. In just a few too short days school will be back in session.  I am ready to meet my new loves. Ready for the chance that every teacher gets to start over.  Ready to make a difference. 

Despite all the calls and appointments there is still so much in the air for Liberty. Her transportation, her attendant care agencies, and her newest doctor.  I wanted everything ready before her college years begin.  No such luck.   Letting other people take her, even though they are amazing and loved?  Ughhhh.  Isn't this the same issue that all parents face when it comes to sending an adult child into the world? 

Deep breath.

This morning we met with a Urologist.   There are a few things that we keep very close when it comes to Liberty's struggle.  We have tried to keep her dignity and  "princessness".  The inability to potty as needed and predictably, one and two, has been an issue for a long while.  We have a potty schedule and try to get as much fluid down as possible, but remember that she doesn't swallow well so drinking is difficult. That means that her fluids are thickened by additives which cause other issues. Frequency and unpredictability added to her constant fear of falling, especially in new bathrooms makes for greater challenges.  So, we have been waiting to see this new doctor since June.   

<http://www.pdf.org/en/spring07_gastrointestinal_and_urinary_dysfunction_in_pd>

Libby will be going through several tests in September and we will go from there.  Our goal is to keep her basic body functions working so that she has as much of a normal experience as is possible.  

Jennifer, Mariah and Grandma Linda have done an amazing job practicing to take full care of the Princess of Enigma. I am grateful and I wish I had more money to pay you what it is worth.   And Mariah, I have tried very hard to keep you active in Liberty's life while not having you be your "sisters' keeper". Yet, I am grateful that the schedule between your classes and Libby's will work out. Jennifer and Linda, it amazes me how your schedules and willingness coincide with times when Liberty needs help. 

I am allowing  myself a little more time to be on edge and worry.   My kid wanted to be in a dorm, she wanted to "go off to college" with her friends, and be independent. That is not our reality. 

 I have to keep in mind the blessing that Libby is here and has a chance to go to college.  She has a chance and I will make sure that she gets where she needs to be.  

I know that as long as we are doing what we should everything will work out; I'd just like a few more ducks in a row and more of a coherent plan in place.  We are trying.   We are damn sure trying. 

Meanwhile, I'm just a mom of an incoming freshman who is starting college and I'm supposed to let go.   (For this picture I endured a lot of whining and had to implement some bribery.)