About 6 months ago my Professional Georgia Teaching Certificate expired. Last night I found myself so sad and teary about it even though I have been retired from full time teaching since 2019.
For the last 38 years I have been a certified teacher for grades PK – 12 in all academic subject areas as well as Learning Disabilities and Mentally Handicapped Learners. I taught in Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia. I worked with grades 2 – 8 and served in administration and training. After getting my doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2007 I became eligible to teach at the University Level which I currently do online..
But I can no longer walk into an elementary school and teach students. I can no longer sub or be hired as an instructional coach in any elementary school anywhere.
But the reality that I can’t do what I did for 38 years happily and with firm resolve and commitment is hard to swallow.
I might need to give myself time to absorb my new state of being. I might need time to allow new realities to become new practices. I am retired and happy. I see that I am even more busy now than I was for those 38 years of working full time, raising a family, and being in a relationship with another individual doing the same things.
And there are things I can do to still make my world a better place. I can still extend myself with grace and compassion and reach towards humanity. There is a lot out there that still needs to be done. Love is not done with me yet. Blessed be.
~Lydia Patrick
Oh Lydia, what a heart stirring phrase, “Love is not done with me yet.” Thank you for this. It hit me deeply this morning.
Yes, you exude love in everything you do, Lydia. Soon you will have a grand baby to love on, too. Blessed be!
Wow, what a career ! With That skill set, the life experience and academic acumen, You have plenty of humanity left to give. I Really think the key to fruition is Curiosity, attitude and Love. And Lydia, even when you bake , one can taste the Love!