Monday, August 18, 2008

The Door Is Open

(It's a long post, but you may not see another one for a while... so you can take your time.)

O
nce upon a time there was a teacher.  She taught first grade.  She loved her students, the parents, the feeling of giving some tender bits of wisdom to little ones each day.  This teacher always wanted to be a Mommy.  After some blessings of fertility doctors and happy spirits, the teacher became pregnant with not one, but two little angels.  So the teacher hung up her teaching hat (and by hung up I mean stowed about 400 boxes of primary colored goodness in her garage) and eased into her new role (and by eased I mean cried harder than her colicky son) as a Stay-at-Home-Mom.  She loved it.

Life went on.  The twins grew.  She started a blog.  She embraced her role.  And then Target played some voo-doo magic on her in the form of putting Back To School supplies at every turn.  Oh how the SAHM longed to buy 20 packs of crayons, 20 glue sticks, 20 sets of Fiskars scissors... instead she bought plastic toys and swim suits for $3.99, birthday gifts for play group friends, and Green cleaning products.  She liked that too.

One day, the SAHM had an overwhelming urge (and by overwhelming urge I mean she kicked everyone out of the house in the middle of a Sunday afternoon so she could get her letter -groove on) to compose a letter to the Principal of her Dreams, at the School of her dreams, which happens to be 1.1 miles from her new home.  She decided to compose this letter 2 weeks before the start of school, knowing that all positions would of course be filled, but that she ought to put her name in the ring for next year.

The letter was lovely.  The SAHM hit "send."  The letter did not send.  In fact, the letter disappeared into cyber-eff-you-ness.  The girl knows from watching Oprah that the law of attraction means that you think really hard, put it out there, pray a wee bit, and hope for the best possible outcome.  The SAHM did not know the best possible outcome, after all the SAHM was getting rather used to staying in her jammies until ... um, lunch.  But she did this little thing called praying.  And she composed a new letter, hit send, and waited.

Meanwhile, 1.1 miles from home there was a Principal.  He was a lovely man.  He received the SAHM's letter, got a chuckle, and likely dismissed it as a good try.  As I understand it, within moments of reading the email, the Principal received a phone call from the District.  The phone call said that the Principal needed to open a new classroom, a first grade classroom ASAP.  The Principal could have gone to the District for a list of 50 teachers from which to choose.  Fortunately, the Principal also believes in the law of attraction and could not believe the email he had read moments before from some crazy SAHM announcing her eligibility to teach first grade.  He sent her an email:  "You're on."  She set out the next morning to see him.

He played a good hand.  Never did he let on that he even had a job to offer.  The talk was casual.  The feeling overwhelmingly fantastic.  Then, he showed his cards.  There was a job.  It was first grade.  We didn't even know how I was sitting in that room with him, mere hours after the news of the opening.  I couldn't explain it.  He couldn't explain it.  In what can only be understood as an act greater than the two of us, I think we both realized it was truly, meant to be.  

Later that day, after we both had time to process, the Principal proposed to me.  He told me that things would not be easy, that the circumstances were particularly difficult, but that he would support me, and that we would make it through the good and bad times.  It was easy to put the ring on my finger, glow, and accept.

So here I am, no longer officially a SAHM, off to the world of Working Mother and first grade teacher.  As the nature of perfect coincidences happen, there is a fantastic preschool blocks from our home which happened to have two spots left for Junior Kindergarten.  How do you script it better?

I can only hope that we all have the proverbial fairy tale ending.  I'm not sure how I will navigate blogging and such, but I know that the circle of incredible people I read will understand.  

As I walk through the next door, I hope that I do not disappoint.  Although I will miss terribly seeing the intricacies of my preschoolers first-hand, I know we will all prosper.  Cross your fingers.


50 comments:

Hilary said...

That's wonderful news and sure sounds like it was meant to be. I'm happy for you, but will miss your fine blog. Congrats! :)

Amber M. said...

Karma has fnally been kind.

Many congratulations!!

Chrissy said...

Jamie, first of all, I love your writing and I will miss it.

BUT

I am sooo freakin excited for you! There are times when you just know that God is in your life, shaking things up. I think he totally made this happen for you and I'm glad that you and the principal could see that.

Take care of those sweet babies and enjoy your new role!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Congrats...prayer works, right?

That is so awesome that everything worked out just the way it was supposed to. I know you were eager to get back into the classroom.

Amy said...

That's awesome - I am so happy for you. Please come back when you get a sec. - I'll miss you!

kristen said...

Beauty Full Blog
Beauty Full Kids
Beauty Full names

Take care from a mum in Australia. Mum to Chayse, Brodie, Logan and Parker.

Mary said...

Congratulations! Definitely sounds like it was meant to be :)
Wishing you lot's of luck!
And post when you can......we'll all be here :)

Wendi said...

Oh Jamie...I am beyond excited for you.
It sounds absolutely perfect.
Prayer works.
I hope my fairy tale ending sounds just like this next year.
Congratulations!!!

Burgh Baby said...

I'm so freakin' excited for you I can't even stand it. Have a great time getting ready for school and enjoy ever last second of SAHM that you have left. *mwah!*

tiarastantrums said...

that is so awesome!
Happy Teaching!!!

KKJ said...

Congrats!!! I look forward to reading more about your teaching experience.

Kristen said...

Oh Jamie, this was meant to be. Wow!! I am still in awe of the story.

Seriously friend, you are going to thrive! Embrace this, knowing that it was meant to be. You are so lucky to have the perfect opportunity to do this!

I understand your absence as you get ready for your new school year. Just make sure to post from time to time letting us know how you are doing!

Good luck, and how exciting!!

Kori said...

I am more than a little jealous that the law of attraction works for you-because every time I send something out to the universe, I get it spit right back in my face with a nsaty chuckle. GREAT news for you, and no doubt it is the beginning of a whole new phase of your life.

Cynthia said...

Congratulations...and good luck to you! I hope you still find time to blog, but I get it if you don't:)

~Swankymama said...

CONGRATS!!! It sounds like it was meant to be! That is soooo exciting. Good Luck!

Lori said...

congrats on the next step in your journey.

just think you'll actually have more to blog about when you have a spare min or two

I know you will do fine as fate is what put you on the path

Lisa said...

Congrats to you, my friend! What a blessing you will be to all of those smiley first grade faces!!! And kudos to you for going after what you wanted.....it worked out just as it should have, huh?

CC said...

Woo hoo! Beautifully written! Can you be The Flash's teacher next year? ;)

I do love being a working mommy. For me it is the perfect balance (plus, summers off!).

Congrats on finding the school and principal of your dreams. I hope your kids can attend you school soon. My school is also 1.2 miles from my home, but it is a different district and my home district does not give transfers. :( So my kids cannot attend my school. :(

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a fantastic story. I wish you the best this school year!
Thanks for stopping by my blog.

tommie said...

Congrats! I am a firm believer in fate. Things have fallen into place for a reason. Enjoy this new challenge.

Melanie Sheridan said...

Many congratulations! You're going to be a great teacher. It was definitely meant to be. I will miss my fellow SAHM but I'll get over it. ;^)

The Girl Next Door said...

WOW this is so exciting and YES prayers ge answered. NO it won't be perfect. I have been SAHM and working mom and now single working mom. None of the above is perfect, but there are times when it all feels perfect and that is the best. You Go Girl!!! (And your photos rock)

Sincerely Anna said...

Oh, I have chills - the timing of this has to be Divine. Congratulations! I bet it feels really good to know you went out on a limb and something great happened as a result! Blessings!

Chris said...

Congratulations! Sometimes, it's like riding a bike. You'll be back in the groove in no time.

CRigg said...

Awesome story, Jamie. This was truly meant to be...

Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic world of working mommy of twins...it's a small club of us, but if you EVER, EVER need support, please holler. I won't lie, it's so not easy and every day I question my decision to work. But, at the end of the day, it makes me happy. And it will make YOU happy, more importantly. Call me any time you want to chat! YAY for you.

katydidnot said...

lucky duck first graders.

and you know...the kindergartner? after next week he's not so much a kindergartner as a first grader. so i'm thinking...he should be so lucky.

katydidnot said...

lucky duck first graders.

and you know...the kindergartner? after next week he's not so much a kindergartner as a first grader. so i'm thinking...he should be so lucky.

katydidnot said...

duh. clicked twice. whatever. i came back to say i like the new design. brilliant.

CRigg said...

And, oh by the way, despite the work thing, I still manage to find time to blog...it's my outlet and my therapy...just like it might be (or already is!) for you...

As you know, blogging is really for YOU...and you will do it when you can. That's how I think of it.

Bravo for your big life change!!!!!! Can't wait to hear more about it. Good luck with the school opening.

C

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is an amazing story. I got all kinds of chills and started tearing up when I read this. As I read it I could relate so much. I used to teach 4th grade and I know one day when I am ready to go back that there will be a position for me. I just know it.

Good luck with your new job!

San Diego Momma/Two Funny Brains said...

I really needed to hear a story like that right now.
I'm SO VERY glad it worked out serendipitously like that.

You're gonna be great!

david mcmahon said...

It was meant ti happen. But you MADE it happen.

God bless you. God bless your family. And God bless your pupils-to-be.

But do keep in touch when you can ....

dkuroiwa said...

Oh Jamie...I just have goose bumps from reading this!! Amazing how all the cards were right, the stars were in line, all was right with the world at that particular moment in time...add some faith in prayer and see where it gets you!!

I'm a working mom....it's not always easy, but...because this is something that you want to do, it will work out. Keep that faith strong!!
Please come back and blog once you get your teaching "sea legs" back. You will be missed.
Congratulations and how lucky those 1st Graders are!!

Lindsey said...

How very exciting! I do believe all things happen for a reason.:) My fingers are crossed and I'm praying for you right now. I know you'll do great things for those sweet children!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you have two husbands. Good stuff.

Miss Lisa said...

That's wonderful news! good luck on your next chapter in life :)

the rev said...

you are an amazing human jamie and i am not surprised at all. you deserve every blessing you continue to attract. catch up before long. love to all there, your pal, the rev

Angela said...

It is amazing how things happen.

Congrats

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Congratulations. It will be wonderful.

Amy said...

Wow, I guess some things were just meant to be. Good luck with your new job!

The Mama's said...

I hope you all live happily ever after . . . or at least until next summer! Sounds like the fairytale job. :)

RiverPoet said...

Prayer is a powerful thing. I'm so glad that you have been given this opportunity to once again share your talent for teaching. It's bound to enrich you and your entire family.

Peace - D
(here by way of David, and may I add? Your blog is lovely! I love the template, the format, everything!)

Akelamalu said...

Synchronicity is a magical thing!

Congrats on your 'Post of the day' at Authorblog. :)

Cath said...

A perfect example of my favourite noun(?): serendipitous. Very well written. Very well done and I wish you all the best.

Congrats on POTD

Anonymous said...

Jamie,
I am so proud of you. I do believe in fate and it sure found you at a time when you needed it most. Good luck and enjoy! Your kids will adjust as they all do, and so will your husband as most of them do. Put your heart into it and the fairy tale ending will come. I promise-take it from a mom of three and teacher and student. I love you xoxo Jen

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

Congratulations! You are an awesome writer!! :D
I loved this post ♥

Laski said...

There is absolutely no need to cross fingers.

I'm excited for you. What an adventure.

Anonymous said...

from another principal. . .

he is a lucky man.

you are where you should be.

Rookie SAHM said...

It seems you opened your own door of opportunity. Good luck beyond that door. Following your blog for sometime I am sure kids will love you and you will be a great teacher again.

Ice Cream said...

I'm really hoping I can find a door open when I'm ready. I'm so excited for you and hope you can find time to keep us updated with your new adventures.