On January 6, I began another adventure: long term subbing in a first grade classroom. It’s a wonderful opportunity because I can teach in a Christian school and it’s located within minutes of 1891, our rental. But it’s not without challenges.
The biggest challenge is emotional. If you study Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you know that feeling a sense of belonging is essential.
Physiological, safety, belonging, and esteem all lead to self- actualization.
I try to remember these feelings as I work to teach them reading, math, and writing skills. Practicing how to line up for other classes, sit down at lunch, and the myriad of other skills reminds me to be patient as they develop and grow.
And then I remember– my father. Instead of only a twelve week absence, he is dealing with an eternal one. His process of coming to terms with her absence means that he also goes through the hierarchy of needs. It takes time.
However, I rejoice in seeing improvements. My father enjoys the friendship of Ellsworth at Royal Park. His checker skills are improving. His hair, an Albert Einstein style, still needs work, but that is the least of our concerns.
As the year continues, we anticipate February 26 when my father will receive a cochlear implant. It’s hard to believe that and eighty-seven year old man will receive an implant, but we become cautiously optimistic when we think about the possibilities. Does this mean that we won’t need to shout our conversations? Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Ten weeks of subbing remain. God has already shown me His amazing goodness. I know it will continue as the journey continues.
A Journey Worth Remembering 