Thursday, January 6, 2011

Overwhelmed

Yesterday was overwhelming.  There is no other way to put it. 

The new building itself is overwhelming. So much room, so much storage, such nice furnishings are all so luxurious after the trailers. 

Volunteers had a short meeting at 8:00.  Soldiers and Trailer High students, staff, and community were aided by a basketball team, NHS, and Tri M groups from 50 miles away.  All furniture and boxes were in the new building by 9:40.  It was like nothing I have ever seen.  There were lines of people carrying computers, boxes, and books.  They made their way up ramps with carts and dollies carrying file cabinets and other small furniture.  I was overwhelmed by how fast it went.

Then the students arranged desks and loaded books onto bookshelves.  They helped us until noon when the district provided a pizza lunch. 

After lunch I faced a room of boxes alone.  Alone, except for the almost constant stream of people dropping by to see how it was going and check out the new facilities. 

Last night I left my room with a lot left to do.  Hopefully, I will finish the storing of supplies and student files today.  I will finally store something in my desk besides the keys to lock it.  I still have quite a bit to do.  I'm still a bit overwhelmed by how much it takes to move a classroom. 

And that is just what is overwhelming me at school.  Home has me a bit overwhelmed right now, too.  The Mr.'s mom is in the hospital.  She has congestive heart failure.  I doubt she will ever live alone again.  In fact, I think it is only a matter of time.  And she keeps saying that she doesn't want to suffer, but she just wants to go. She doesn't want tears.  It is hard watching her slipping away.

Besides trips to the hospital, tonight I am headed to a funeral visitation.  My elementary school teacher (Grades 1-4) died this week.  I can't make it to her funeral, but I feel like I need to drive the hour to pay my respects.  She is, after all, the teacher who read every Little House on the Prairie book to my class during those four years.  Bless her heart.  She taught me to read.  Bless her heart.  If I fell asleep during "rest" time on our rugs, she let me sleep.  Bless her heart.  She was 90 years old, so it is easier to celebrate her life than mourn for her.  She lived a good life, influencing so many children.  I just want to say good-bye.

Yes, I am overwhelmed.  So much of it is good.  Some of it is sad.  Such big beginnings and endings all wrapped up in the same week.  And that's life on Easy Street during the first week of January 2011.

7 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Bless your heart Mrs. E. May you feel God's love, peace and strength flowing through and surrounding you at this time. Mr. E too.

Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

P.S. Looking forward to seeing pics of the new school and your classroom once you're all set up.

Lesley A. Owens said...

Hang in there, Mrs. E! I'm sending good thoughts your way, to Mr. E and the rest of your family, too . . .

Katie (Can't Get There) said...

Oh, dearie. I'm so sorry to hear about the Mr's mom. It is never easy. Sending lots of happy, peaceful thoughts your way!

Shannon said...

I soooo hear you! I took on an additional job at work over the holidays and am trying to move offices. I can't imagine a whole classroom. Trying to go with the whole keep calm and carry on mentality. Hope Mr's E's mom gets on top of things. Enjoy your new room!

Mary said...

I would've been there to help if I lived closer! Sorry to hear about the Mr's mom. That has to be hard. Sending prayers your way!

Heidi said...

Whew! You hang in there. It is definately difficult to be involved with a life that is coming to a close on this earth. The good news, of course, is Heaven on the other side- the hope of a new beginning, an eternal life with Jesus and the promise of being reunited one day- all unfathomable to the human mind, generally. Keep the faith. Take a deep breath, look to the Lord and press on. Repeat as often as necessary.

You can do it.

Much love-
Heidi

Kim said...

Mrs. E - We're traveling, so I haven't had much blog reading time. Just wanted you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you walk through this next phase of life with the Mr.'s mom and say goodbye to a cherished teacher. I didn't know her, but I love her anyway. Anyone who read the Little House books to children has an extra star in heaven in my book! Hugs to you and yours.