I'm finally doing it. I've finally reached the point where I've agreed to take a medical leave of absence from my job of over 20 years. It has taken me a few years to finally give in but I am finally convinced that it is the right thing to do. Now that I've made this decision I do feel some relief. It was very stressful to think about this choice especially when you love what you do and you love the people around you. I know, I'm rare. Most people wouldn't say those things about their jobs but mine is more of a vocation. I'm a middle school teacher and have been for almost 30 years; more than 20 at the same school. The people I work with, the children I teach and the work that I do bring a great deal of joy to my heart. I am sad to leave them. I do, however, know that this is for the best.
My body will no longer have to get over itself quickly in the morning so I can run to work at 6:15 to beat the traffic. I won't fall over in my classroom when my legs or back spasm. I won't drop to my knees when I have an optic migraine. I won't have to run from the room every time I feel the need to vomit. I can do those and the various other not so pleasant things I do in the privacy of my own home now.
To keep me from being bored we've started a family business online selling clothes, jewelry and gifts. I get to be the face of it since I'm home. That and no woman is really going to buy a pearl necklace or a cardigan from my husband. So, as of next week I'm a stay at home cat mom, doing her aqua therapy three days a week and trying to be good about healthy living the rest of the time.
So long full-time teaching and hello resting my bones.
