Peace

It's been a long time coming.

A year of

Tears.  Anger.  Frustration.  Soul searching.

Now there is acceptance.

And joy.

I am happy at work.

Simple.  To the point.

What a difference it makes to be happy about going to work every day.

I love my kids.

I love spending my lunches in my office, surrounded by 3 or 4 teenagers who want to talk, laugh, and ask for advice. Every day.

In the years before Alexander, I was that person for many students but often feel like they were my kids.  Kids that took the place of the one I didn't have at home.

But now I have my own kid.

It's different now. 

I am not their parent.  I am their teacher.  I am a role model.  I am a listener. I give advice when asked but mostly, I listen and let them figure out the answer on their own.  I surround myself with their laughter, their stories, and their issues but I don't bring it home.

 At the end of the day, I can't wait to go home to my boys.  And leave work at work.

There is balance.

And peace.

It feels good.

It's been a long time coming.