Perspective

Tonight, I had to stay a half hour late at work. 

There is a single mom who brings her two kids to the center that relies on public transportation, the city bus, to get to and from work and also to drop her kids off.  The older son is in my 2's classroom and she has a 4 month old daughter who also comes to this center.  The kids are sweet as can be and she has always been respectful and kind to us.  Tonight, she called to say that she was going to be late.  She was on the bus, there was an incident involving other passengers, and the police had to be called.  On the phone with us, she explained the situation, said she'd be 20 minutes late, and that she'd get there as soon as she could. 

While I cuddled her baby girl and played with her son, I thought about what it would be like in her shoes.  The city that I am in is fortunate to have a public transportation system that can get you just about anywhere in the city.  However, it isn't without issues.  There aren't car seats on buses and there isn't anyone in the back to control any issues that may arise among passengers.  Buses are often five minutes late or five minutes early, and passengers have to wait outside in all kinds of weather.  I think it's inspiring that she can manage it and get her kids and herself where she needs to be every day.  Remembering this story will hopefully help me to keep my head on straight when I'm feeling lazy about cooking myself a real meal or stressing about finding a teaching job.  I have a reliable vehicle, no one depending on me to care for them, and an incredible education.  I am a woman in a powerful position. 

Thursday and Friday our students have off of school and the staff will be meeting to do professional development.  I am looking forward to a day of talking with colleagues but I'm sure I'll miss the kids... at least a little.  :)

Brittany