Breathe Again

It has been too long since I last wrote. I have no real excuse, other than the fact that I've been inordinately busy.
Two days after Thanksgiving, Leila came down with a fever, swollen glands and sore throat that lasted, unabated, for 4 consecutive days. I took her to the doctor who diagnosed her with "the strep test was negative but we'll send her swab off for further testing, meanwhile give her antibiotics."
The antibiotic, expensive as it was, did nothing to lessen the symptoms. I called back. The doctor amended her previous diagnosis to "it must be viral".
Fast forward 3 weeks...Leila STILL has a nasty cough and nasal congestion.
She's tired of it, and so am I.

The last few weeks have been spent trying to teach the freshmen how to use figurative language to express themselves, more specifically, to describe who they are. The culminating event was a poetry night. I dashed between meetings, classes, rehearsals, Big Lots and local dollar stores in a desperate attempt to get everything ready for big night.
It was definitely worth it. The students' performances were amazing.
That night, I was proud to be a teacher. I was proud to be THEIR teacher. Whether or not I continue teaching in the same capacity, I know that giving people an opportunity to find and express their purpose is MY purpose.
This I must do.

Now that the holiday break has finally arrived, I can finally relax. Let the pressure of classes, planning and special programs slide off of my shoulders. I feel the fingers of overcommitment release their vice-grip on my throat.
I need this break. Leila does too.
Can't wait to breathe again.