Skip to main content

Oh Yeah...This Is Why I Do This...

Tonight I had the privilege of attending my oldest son's Upper School presentation at his school.  It was an opportunity for us to see the experiences their children are having in school.  My son, along with another classmate, spoke about their experiences as fourth graders (he is in the 5th grade now).  He spoke with confidence and poise.  All of the other students got up and spoke with an eloquence and assuredness.  I was very pleased.

They gave a variety of examples of things they encounter while at school.  The arts presentation blew my mind.  I was watching the presentation, but as a teacher, I was also taking notes for things I could do with my own classes.  It was a great experience.

We live about 20 miles away from the school.  It is about an hour commute in and an hour commute out.  There are several days when we are frustrated with traffic, inconsiderate drivers, our own fatigue, roadblocks, and other factors.  Yet, when I saw my son present about his life at school and tell how much he enjoys being there, I was reminded that this is a good sacrifice. 


How many times do we do things that we don't want to do, but often have to do to see our children grow?  Another prime example happened this past July 4th.  We got caught in Baltimore leaving a cookout.  My son really wanted to see the fireworks.  He was nearly in tears.  So what do we do?  We race across the city trying to find a good spot.  There was none (at least from our location).  So we race back to Bowie, MD (seriously, I cannot remember the last time I floored this car like that-Tony Stewart didn't have Jack Squat on me!).  My youngest was in the back seat praying, "God, please help us to make it in time to see the fireworks.  In Jesus name, Amen."  We made it just in time to catch the last ten mintes of the show in the Best Buy parking lot.  The look on the boys' faces...priceless!

Sacrifice for my fam... is often times...good.  Tell me about some of yours.  I'm NOS in knowing...
And by the way...No Speeding Tickets!  Nice!

Comments

  1. D,
    Did I mention that I love this blog!!! You are always right on point. I hear that you'll be in town(Atlanta) in the next coming months. Let's plan to have dinner so your family can meet my family. Anyway, my kids go to a charter school that recently moved from Lithonia to Tucker. It's not nearly the commute you have, but it does make a difference. I love this school. I am given positive feedback on this choice almost everyday when my kids get in the car and tell me about their day. They are excited about going to school and love knowing that I am interested. The school has a strict volunteer policy and so my kids frequently see me or their dad at the school. The principal knows every kids by name. The teachers are friendly. When I am there, I feel like I am a part of the educational process. I appreciate that on so many levels. The work that my children are doing there is utterly amazing from math to technology to art, this school is on the move and worth the sacrifices made for them to attend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. How about the sacrifices we make when they are sick... ? It's on my mind now since I have had to cancel 3 days of committments to be with James. It's frustrating but also worth it; just like your post.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Before you go, I have to tell you this...

My wife and oldest son had been feverishly preparing for this for over two years. A sojourn to Egypt is what monopolized the attention of this house for about the past week. We've been packing, buying last minute items, and anticipating an almost 24-hour travel. As my wife was packing at the gorgeous time of 4:15 am, I was writing some thoughts to my son. I was giving him advice-technical, moral, physical, and spiritual advice. Even while cutting his hair last night, I was advising him. At the end of the letter, I gave him my blessing. I wrote a letter to Paula as well. And just like the one to my son, I gave her the same type of advice, just more seasoned for her needs. And at the end of the letter, I gave her my blessing. I packed the letters away in their suitcases. They won't see them until they reach their hotel in Egypt. I learned and was reminded of a couple of things from their upcoming experience. First, perseverance has its rewards. They stuck this program out fo

I'm So Thankful For...

The other day, I went to my boys' school for their annual Thanksgiving Holiday service.  The Head of School told what he was thankful for.  He said how he was grateful for the big things, such as students, faculty, and family.  He also said he was thankful for the simple things, such as pencils and rulers, kids who look him in the eye when they greet him, and students who don't.  It was very heart warming and reflective. Well, it's my turn.  I am thankful for my fantastic life, full of its ups and downs. I am thankful for my dazzling wife, who has taken me leaps and bounds. I am thankful for my fun-loving boys, who keep my life alive. I am thankful for their numerous toys, and how they keep them busy when often times I can't. I am thankful for my wonderful Maryland home-it helps to keep us warm. And thankful that I have a place that keeps us safe from the storms. I am thankful that God has given me a chance to teach, where even I have learned alot. I am thank

He can do it...

My wife was in a minor car accident that has really given her some challenges with her back. This past Sunday, she was in so much pain that it was extremely hard for her to get out of bed. Well, I had to make a decision; let my oldest stay with her and help or bring both boys with me to church and let her rest. I wrestled with the decision for a bit because I don't want them to miss church. At the same time I did not want my wife to be in need and no one be there for her. I decided to have my oldest stay with her. Before I left, I pulled him to the side and gave him very specific instructions. "Son, I want you to make sure that your play time is at a minimum and ensure that mommy is well taken care of. If she needs food, drinks, whatever, make sure she gets it." He said he was fine with that. Well, I take the youngest with me to church and choir rehearsal. After church, I returned home to see my beautiful wife looking a lot better. I asked her how she was doin