Christmas in February

Today my PCM 300 classmates and I dissected a sentence from one of my blog posts. I was given the task to reconstruct it and come back with 10 perfect substitute sentences accurately depicting the magic of creation. Not creation in the biblical or biological sense, but the way I feel when I compose a brilliant piece.

So far most of my "babies" have been birthed for scholastic purposes only. However, in the past few weeks, some of my writing has made it on the outside. Incidentally, I have received some awesome feedback. And a job offer. For money.

My children attend an MPS school. It is common knowledge that most teachers are underpaid, overworked and often have to purchase their own classroom materials. While I cannot afford to donate to the school, I do enjoy showing my appreciation with a note here and there. The results are always astounding. I shower these teachers with praise and all they can do is gush about my writing.

However, the real payday came about 3 weeks ago. My son has always had a difficult time controlling his behavior and emotions at school. After seeing a child psychologist for a year and meeting with a psychiatrist, I agreed to try an anti-anxiety medication they suggested. I did my research and started him on the meds. But I wanted to give the school a head's up about the situation. So, I sat down and wrote a detailed letter covering everything I thought they should know about the drug and its side effects and what to watch out for. I sent the letter to school in Adrian's backpack and forgot all about it.

A few days later I stopped by the school around mid-morning because I forgot to give Adrian his meds. When I stepped into the office to sign in and get a visitor's pass, the Vice Principal, Ms. Dykes, invited me into her office. I was on edge as I always am when I see her, for she is the unfortunate bearer of bad news. On the contrary, I had nothing to worry about.

It so happens that she had been looking for someone to help her with a research project. Adrian's teacher thought my letter was so well written that he decided to show it to Ms. Dykes. She pulled me in the office to tell me how impressed she was and asked me if I would consider helping her when the time came. I was flabbergasted. I readily agreed and went to see my son with a happy heart.

I do not share this story to toot my own horn. It's just funny how opportunities seem to fall out of the sky when I'm not looking for them. This one was quite blatant, but the next one may not be. God grant me to eyes to see them and the courage to follow my heart.