Thank you

For the past three days, I've been living at the hospital. I'll spare you the details. I'll just say my sister is very very sick.

I didn't know she was going to be sick, so I wasn't prepared to be away from school for two days.

I just need to say thank you to the wonderful people I work with. They have stepped in and covered for me while I've been away. I didn't even have to ask before my army of friends moved into action to take care of my class.

Thank you to all of my friends who have sent me messages telling me they're praying for me. Thank you to an understanding principal who told me to take all the time I need. Thank you to a very special person who reminded me that I'm loved and that I make a difference in the lives of the children I teach.

Also, I had a talk with my dad yesterday. He said, "I love coming to your class. You are a wonderful teacher and your kids adore you. I know I asked you over and over as you were going through school if you really wanted to be a teacher. If I ever ask you that again, it will only be to remind myself how dumb I was."

I've always thought that teaching isn't only a job. It's a calling. I was born to teach.

To all the other wonderful teachers I know - thanks for choosing to be a teacher. And thanks for helping me to be one, too.