When one stops to ponder, though there are constant challenges, there are reasons for celebration on this cusp of the new year. I must continue to see this opportunity because the alternative is not pleasant.
I work hard each day to remain positive. Some days it’s an impossible task. Some days it comes easily. Some days the effort leaves me exhausted. That’s life. I’ve lived with major depression and anxiety since diagnosis in 1982. I’m glad to have been given the strength to navigate the often choppy waters. That’s a celebration.
This time of year is the most challenging for me. Add the shorter days and the often overcast conditions. Some days I’d rather remain under the covers. Long ago I promised myself to do my best to get out of bed, shower and dress in regular clothes every day. Each month may yield just one day I’m unable to do that. Lots of reason to celebrate.
I’ve chosen a mostly private existence during the Pandemic. The prospect of acquiring the virus just frightens the daylights out of me. The additional fact that I oversee my mom’s life allows me a good reason to isolate myself. I would have a hard time if I was responsible for passing it to her (she’s 93). I order groceries and pick them up. My Amazon Prime membership is my best friend. My pod of friends is pretty small. I do attend doctor’s appointments and have been in the hospital at least ten times in the last 18 months. I celebrate the fact I’m here to be able to recount all of these experiences.
Most of all, I’m so thankful to be able to run into former students, whether in person or on social media. I celebrate each one, even those who despised me. Each taught me a lesson. I worked hard to make connections with each. It was never a chore. Though I knew each student would never love the subject of English the way I did/do, I always hoped most took something of note from their classroom experience with me. For whatever it’s worth, I’m so very proud to have taught such a wonderful array of kids and the knowledge they passed to me. They enriched my life immeasurably. And that is a reason to celebrate.
Stories Are For Eternity 
Hey i see your posts and appreciate many of your thoughts and photos. don’t despair. We are all (or mostly probably just me) feeling like we are living in a suspended period of time. It will get better. Spring will come and flowers will bloom. Be well Beth
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Thanks, George. You were a nice guy when we were locker neighbors back in hs and you’re still a nice guy. Thanks for taking the time to read the blog.
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Dear Friend
Your blogs though written in times of personal despair are sources of inspiration to me and others.It takes enormous courage to write from the heart and to put your words out there for all to see. Through your physical and emotional battles you are a warrior. Please keep writing because through these challenges you are very gifted! Love Beth Robertson
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I appreciate your lovely comment. If I can “put myself out there” and help someone else, then that’s a good day. I will keep writing, it helps me maintain a degree of sanity.
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I’ve no doubt you also immeasurably impacted the lives of your students, even if they are unaware. A caring, passionate teacher, which clearly you are, makes a lasting imprint. Probably your own life struggles gave you a special compassion for many of your challenging students. The issues may have been different, but the hardship of choosing a new route was shared. In the midst of struggle/ darkness hope sparks through as a choice.
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All I know is I really enjoyed teaching and I genuinely wanted to help kids.
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Loved reading each of your stories and was saddened when there were no more to read. Looking forward to your book being published.
Fondly Mary Pat
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Thanks for reading my stuff, Mary Pat. I’m finishing the last chapter and then the draft will be done. Then I need to hire an editor, get all of the photos in order, do a bibliography, etc. I’m excited to get it done.
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