I became a single mom in November 2005. I thought I was going to crumble and fall apart, but in all honesty it was the very best thing that could have happened to me. Sure, it has it's ups and downs, but I love being with my son and having him all to myself!!! Sure he sees his dad, but I have him with me most of the time. I am very active in his school, and I plan to be until he tells me to get lost! I also have a fantastic dog who helps me through so much. That poor dog has had more tears on his head than raindrops. Aidan and Reggie mean so much to me. I cannot imagine my life without either one of them. Anyway, back to where I started. When I became a single mom, I naturally worried about finances first. Eventually I realized that if I put me first (or at least my emotional health), I could become the best mom I can be. If I worried about everything and let everything stress me out, I'd be no good to anyone. I am also a preschool teacher in the inner city (Baltimore) and those kids rely on me to be happy, helpful and positive every day - I am one of the few positive things they have. When Aidan's dad walked out the door, I was also in a terrible place at work. I hated where I was, hated my supervisors, hated a lot of my coworkers, and hated a lot of the parents I had. One nearly made me quit teaching forever. Turned out I just needed a change of scenery.
Over that summer, I looked for and was offered many jobs (I was offered every job I interviewed for - which was about 6 or 7). I finally settled where I am now. I work for St. Jerome's Head Start. It's an amazing place to work. Great leadership, great people, great families (well, most of them!). I have met some people that I know will be my friends for life. Best thing is that Aidan got to go to school there for 2 years (couldn't be with me - but where my classroom was located, I wouldn't have wanted him there!). I also discovered the best Charter School in the city - hands down. That is now where Aidan is attending and he's in Kindergarten - completely excelling at everything they put in front of him. He's doing 3rd grade math, and he's completed reading his first 100 page book (ok, it's really 98 pages...) on his own! They keep him challenged and for that, I cannot thank them enough.
Shoot.... that reminds me. It's teacher appreciation week, and I totally forgot (again!) to write them their thank you notes from me! SHOOT! Guess I should do that.....
I will continue this tomorrow. After all, it's nearly 2:30am and I have to be up for work soon!
