Tuesday, June 15, 2010

End-End

Schools (finally) out for summer!!! The end of school has been a little bitter sweet for me. Here are just a couple of memories from the year.
I'm glad I caught this picture for posterity sake.
Avery made these polar fleece pajamas...
...and this guy in a Sew Much More home ec. class.
Willy giving it his all.
Working at the high school has had it perks, getting asked to wear a football jersey Homecoming game day would be one of them:)
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Here is where the end of the end comes in...
...the "how do you like them apples?"
For the past 10 years I have worked at the local high school as a teachers aide (excuse me if I don't use the PC terminology--paraprofessional). I was injured on the job a little over 2 years ago, recovery has been slow and not total. I would love to spill the whole pot of beans on this but until all is said and done with workman's comp mums the word.
Bear with me, as I go a little off track, it will all come together...in the end. Through out this injury my sister Tami has been a huge support and just a bit outspoken ( I know, hard to believe) on the whole ordeal. As I dealt/deal with w/c, the school, meds, drs. dr. bills, surgery, PT, OT, etc. etc. in the back ground has been my sister "you tell them that they broke you, now they need to fix this mess!" She has talked me through the in and outs, ups and downs, and has been a shoulder to cry on. Back on track we go...
I have had work restrictions and it has been a challenge for the school to work within my limitations. A month before school was out the superintendent came to see me one day and explained that due to my medical restrictions they will not have a position for me next year. A couple weeks later I learned that I would be getting my 10 years of service "Apple Award". When I told Tami about my "apple award" she said something to the effect "Well, will it have a big ol' bite taken out!?! It really should, and if they hand you the whole apple you just hand it back to them and say(I'll insert a breath here for her, although she doesn't often come up for need of air)..."clearly you seem to have forgotten to take a bite out of the proverbial apple" at this point what do you have to lose I mean REALLY!!" So the last week of school on Monday I was given my walking papers, and on Wednesday I was given my "apple award" I opened the box, took out my apple and had a little chuckle...
...as requested Tami, the proverbial bite had been taken :)

8 comments:

Brenda said...

I'm with Tami on this one. I've wanted to say something....but people usually get along just fine without my 2 cents :) What a surprise it must have been to see the hollow apple, lol! I think I would have been speechless.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Enjoy your summer now that school has ended! blessings,Kathleen

Tami said...

I continue to pray God will lead you, providing you all you need to get through the struggles. You are carrying a cross we may not understand now, but can only hope His glory is seen through your experience. I love you, and am here to walk the path. They may have taken a big ole bite, but at least we'll have half an apple to share. Just remember what Jesus did with a of couple fish, and a few loaves of bread. ;)

Girl Tornado said...

Oh my, it sounds like such a struggle with the school, and such a shame after 10 years you won't be able to go back in the fall.

Ah well, do enjoy your summer!! :)

Barb said...

And when you stand before the Lord, you will get way more than a hollow apple for all the kids' lives you have touched with the love of Jesus! You bloomed where you were planted and you'll be bloomin' again. Love you!

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Oh, that is priceless! I can't believe that apple! You know I also work as a para at a public school (high school program for disabled students). My co-worker was injured almost 2 yrs. ago helping to break up a fight and the school district has done EVERYTHING possible to discourage her and hinder her medical treatment. Because we have disabled students who need physical assistance, I am really concerned about my ability to continue in this job at my age!!! I am finding it difficult to help lift disabled students, although our 10 staff team is helpful in sharing this burden. We are getting more students (wheelchair) who are so impaired that there is no way we can teach them any life or vocational skills. Several of them have such behavior issues that we would risk losing our work sites if we took them there because of loudness and disruptive behavior. These restaurants and businesses are doing us a favor by "letting" us work there! It seems there is no logic or reasoning in public school officials. Even our administrative staff realize that we are being given "patients" to babysit, and it prevents us from getting the students we could really help. Of course, I feel guilty in a way because these are truly "the least of these" people who need assistance--but what they really need is therapy and medical care. Oh well, I understand where you are at--I guess I just needed to let off a little steam. Thanks for your comment--it really encourages me! V.

sewtakeahike said...

your sis is too funny! at least you're maintaining a good attitude about it all Jody and can laugh some even though it isn't ideal. congrats on the 10 year apple!

Mary said...

Jody, I myself work in a public school and worry about the potential to be injured by a student. It is funny that they knew they needed to give you the apple with the bite out of it. I will lift you up in prayer.