I’m writing this post on my phone while waiting for my mom at the hospital because it’s better than mindlessly scrolling social media.
Mom’s having surgery to help relieve some of the nerve pain she’s been having down both arms.
I’m trying not to worry, but that’s par for the course at this age, isn’t it?
Being sandwiched between aging parents and maturing kids is no fun, especially these days with the state of healthcare and the economy.
Everything feels so dire in a way it never has before, and honestly, it’s scary… but we navigate the best we can because that’s all we can do.
Sitting here, I’ve been thinking, and honestly, work has me feeling pretty dire too.
From poorly designed classrooms to the lack of support from administration and staff, I feel squeezed between unprepared students and a failing educational system, and frankly, I am over it. The only thing keeping me sane right now is fighting the good fight, and it feels like I have declared war.
I have found sanity by taking on an advocate role for students and my fellow educators. It’s not easy. And I know I am annoying A LOT of people at work, but I don’t care (thank you, menopause!) I literally cannot take the indifference anymore. I mean, what are we doing here? What am I doing here?
My students are coming to me less and less prepared every year. Our classrooms are a hot mess. Our IT systems are failing us, and everyone around me just seems to shrug, go about their day like nothing’s wrong, and do the bare minimum.
Well, not everyone. I know there are a few people in my corner, but it sure does feel like we are in the minority.
So I may be sandwiched between two generations and surrounded at work by apathy, but I am managing the hopelessness with activism.
And I can’t stop thinking of Dr. Seuss:
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Cheesy? Maybe. But it’s been keeping me going. I may not be able to fix everything, but I also can’t sit back and do nothing.
4 replies on “Pulling Up My Big Girl Pants (y02w38)”
Your though & feelings are valid & unfortunately so true. What a perfect quote; can’t go wrong with Dr Suess! Wishing your mom a speedy recovery ❤️🩹
I feel you…not in the same situation but very similar feelings. We have an adult special needs son and most days I just feel like I am hanging on by a thread. So day by day it is….
One thing I’ve realized (finally) after 53 years of living …. Once you know who you are, you’re no longer affected by what others think of you. Like, I can be extra, as the kids would say, about things I care about. That can be too much for some people. And I’m 100 percent ok with that.
Hope your mom is doing well!
I think you are such a strong woman! Thank you for caring so much about students and education. Your students and others, will be better off because of your efforts! Hope your Mom got relief as well. Hang in there!!!