Strange twists and turns

My kids have inspired me. Stacy always does well with posting, Samantha next in line and Candace even does better than I do. Anyway, here it is. Life is interesting. We never quite know where it is going to take us and when it takes an unexpected twist or turn sometimes we are just struck dumb (as in silent, not stupid). That was me last Friday morning. The superintendent called me in and told me my position at work was being deleted. Gone, zap, finiti! When I walk out the door on May 20 that will be it. I, along with 6 certified staff members, some who have been there 20+ years, will be turning in our keys, packing up our stuff (I'm NOT taking the frig from the teacher's lounge though!) and heading off to . . . . .? Hmm, not sure. As always, my husband is a huge support. Although I am honestly not feeling terrible about this. I knew when I began the education process back in fall of 2005 that I wanted to eventually become certified as a teacher. However, I didn't think I would certify myself right out of a job. Part of it is because of the financial cuts the school districts have taken. Downsizing is the name of the game right now and I am in great company, not just with those here at Newell that no longer have a job, but with other teachers around the state and others around the country. I can't blame the administration.They had no choice. And even the funding cuts from the state are partly understandable. However, I do think that with more care and consideration many jobs could have been saved. And as my youngest daughter says, "Why would they cut education?" Rather than many other things that could be cut and not affect our children so drastically. Because that is what is happening. Cutting educational staff is a difficult thing to do when there are so many programs out there that are way more frivolous. Of course that is my opinion. And others may not agree with me. And they may think I am just whining because I am losing my job, but that is not true. When I walk out the door on May 20, part of my heart will be left behind. I loved my library, the things that I did and the way I was able to provide for the students and staff things they needed to excel. I loved the kids and the daily interaction. I would like to think that I made a big contribution to their lives; and not just in an educational way, but in life lessons. But I know that God has something new and different and more assuredly BETTER. So I am waiting on Him to share that with me. And I am excited about the future, whatever it holds.