Mommy Can't Call in Sick Today

Sometimes first days of work involve unpredictable doctor's appointments, double ear infections, and a run-in with one of the very first students I've ever had.  They can also harvest the best, deepest, most heart-felt hugs of your life.

Had a full-circle moment when the medicine I needed to treat Lucy's ear aches was given to me by one of the first students I ever taught. She was in my third period class in 2008 and sat in the front row.  But she was a tough girl.  She was not mean, not disrespectful, but always skeptical and always making sure I did just what I was supposed to do.  She was always there, but didn't always smile.  She is someone I'll always remember (whether she helped me at the pharmacy or not).

When she saw me she smiled big and said, "I was just talking about you earlier."  Earlier?  As in it hasn't been over 5 years since I've seen you last?  She's doing well and she helped me get my kid better.  Who knew that the very kid who sometimes made me shake in my boots would greet me with a smile and give my kids extra lollipops at the local CVS?

So I've done some juggling this week and it hasn't all been easy.  But I've gotten long, warm hugs at home from my kids and husband and too many hugs to count from current and former students.  I am tired, but I feel loved.