I was going to title this post, Terrible Tuesday, to go along with Happy Wednesday from last week, but what fun would that be? Suffice it to say, I returned home from my classroom Tuesday morning (yes, I knew I was sick before I went, but you have to think of the sub that's stepping in!) and discovered I had 103.5ยบ fever. I went to see Dr. Fu, he took one look at me and said, "Oh, you're sick!" Thanks. Tell me something I don't know (rather snarky of me wasn't it!?!)
But, I had so enjoyed the weekend, with progress on the homefront, and "Blue Kitchen Sink".
(See in the photo, the blankets are turned back so I can crawl back in!) Besides the fever not breaking until today, and Dr. Fu said I wasn't to go back to school this week, I have not had the strength to sew or do any fun stuff. What good is a day off, when you can't do that? Larry and Lydia said they knew I was sick because I wasn't doing ANYTHING. I bet some of you folks are "do-ers" like that, too. I will admit, God sometimes has to slow me down one way or another, so, I'm listening, Lord.
I've been teaching what seems a ba-zillion years, and I have a tendency to prepare my lessons
for me. I have my student work ready, each day's work is in its slot, and mostly I have the next week's work ready, too. IF I'm going to miss school, I work sometimes 2 hours on hand written notes for the sub. That's when I can. This week I had Tuesday ready with notes thinking "I'd be ba-ck" (drop in Arnold Schwarzenegger's voice), uh, yeah. NOT happening.
There has been a different sub each day, and sadly, I've received a call Wednesday AND Thursday morning (bad, Mrs Davis!!!) asking where, how, what etc. I called my dear friend Ginny Bakan crying this morning, feeling so-o bad about myself. She reminded me that is a sub's job, it'll be okay, and after school (half day, too!) she went down to set the room for tomorrow.
She pulled a few strings and worked her wonders, and went to run a few papers, while I got to talk to the sub today on her phone. Now, here's the difference between Nickie, today and tomorrow's sub, and the other two: Nickie has taught, second grade as a matter of fact, and she paid me the biggest complement: I'm organized.
She said, "Mrs Davis, Your room is functional and just flows. The children worked to the pattern of day as a class that understands order. You have a lot of instructional aides, and I'm not worried a bit about tomorrow. Oh, and she had already done the morning prep work for tomorrow!
Well, I cried again. After feeling a bit like I let people down, God sent me two big blessings in the form of people with servant's hearts.
So, Let me tell you about my friend Ginny B., Mrs. Virginia Bakan. She has the kindest heart, the funniest wit, she has raised her 4 children in the ways of the Lord, and she is a true blue, loyal friend. She is why I came to teach at West Covina Christian School, 23 years ago. She was our daughter's 3rd grade teacher, and her girls would watch Lydia occasionally when we had teacher days.
This is the quilt I made for her upon the occasion of her retirement last year. I miss seeing her daily, but she still comes to help in my classroom on Wednesdays, and we go to the quilting class together on Monday nights. Here is the dedication /quilt label, green is Ginny's favorite color, that is why the backing is green.
This past summer, Ginny turned 70, and her oldest daughter Carrie gave her a surprise birthday party, and it was so wonderful to honor her there! Carrie and family had the backyard decorated beautifully, with lights in the trees and candles on the tables. She was showered with garden flowers for gifts, as she has s passion for gardening. My flowers came along with a dresser runner, I knew she has the quilt in her bedroom.
I am missing school another day, but the Lord is control (He has to remind me of that constantly!). I am doing my best to rest and hopefully I will be on the mend soon. Thanks for letting me share the yucky stuff, too. Okay, going back to bed . . . .
Happy Quilting,
Pokey
