Today, I just had four kids during the day, which after the last few weeks felt almost like a day off. LOL. Anyway, at naptime, one of the little guys always wants me to sit down beside him and rub his back as he goes to sleep. I try to oblige when I can. After I stopped rubbing his back, but was still sitting by him, he slipped his hand into mine, and at that moment, I was just overcome with emotion and love for my job. I looked around the room. Three of the four kids here today have been with me since they were infants. I've watched (and am still watching) them grow into their own distinct personalities. I am so lucky to get to do a job where I spend my days with children, watching them grow. In less than a year, I know one of these children will not be coming to me anymore as he starts pre-k. His family has been with me since 2001. It will leave a big hole in my heart when they leave. But it will give me the chance to love new children and families, so I'll be okay. I'll be the first to admit that while I love my job, I don't always like it. It's hard work, it's exhausting, and sometimes it's thankless. But feeling that little hand in mine today, well that makes those harder days worthwhile.
Back to my homework! I'm making progress, but not as quickly as I'd like (big surprise there, right? LOL)
4 comments:
I was crying last weekend because Jess turned 20 and I don't even have any teenagers anymore. And I really miss being a mommy. Anyway, you have just reduced me to tears again. Those kiddos are lucky to have you.
Ok, I know that Serenity and Jessica are basically the same age. But gosh, it doesn't seem like either one of them ought to be 20, does it???
Too bad you're in Oklahoma and I'm in Kentucky. You sound like a wonderful caregiver, someone who I'd entrust with my little 5-year-old.
I hope those parents know they have a goldmine in you.
Thanks, Heidi. That's really nice. I do have a good group of parents right now. They have their little quirks, but if they put up with mine, I"ll try to put up with theirs. LOL.
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