I just have to brag because it makes me feel victorious

[Cheries]

I have been back to work after having my IC as a teacher. I really love what I do and I feel like it has given me my life back because even on days when I am in a lot of pain (I have some pain everyday)working with the kids lifts my spirits and creativity. Well, I got good news this week that I had been nominated for a Disney Teacher of The Year Award! I was so thrilled! It made me feel that I was accomplishing something in spite of dealing with this painful condition. I may not get chosen or anything, but I feel really blessed that I made a difference in some child's life. It was such a struggle for me to work, but I feel I need to and love my job. So I am sharing that with you, that even though we are sick, we can still make a difference in other's lives and keep doing what we are passionate about.

[ICNDonna]

It sounds like your love for your job is making a huge difference in the lives of a lot of children. Congratulations! You have a right to feel proud of yourself.

Donna

[tigger_gal]

:grouphug:

[icjen]

That's great news. You are a strong person. Be proud of yourself!! Jen

[charmedx3]

:woohoo: congratulations!

[Briza]

Congratulations, Cheries! That is really something to be proud of! I'm also a teacher, and from Texas, too, and struggled a lot in the past two years with work and IC. So I know how good it feels to get back into the swing of things and know that you're there for the kids and making a difference, especially when you're still having some pain. And then to be acknowledged for it, wow, I'm so happy for you! I also love teaching and it seems like whenever things are not going well in my life or I'm feeling down, then I'd much rather be at work than home on the couch because then I'm focused on what can I do for the students, instead of just focusing on me.
Again, congrats! :woohoo:

[SharonA]

Congratulations...We need more teachers like you. I just wish those in power would realize how important dedicated teachers are and pay them accordingly. Our children deserve the best.

Thank you for caring... :kissing:

[Babs RN]

I believe that the most important influences in the life of a child beyond home are those wonderful beings called teachers. Never paid enough, never reimbursed enough for expenditures with their own money, they continue to have a profound influence for so many kids. Cheries, you deserve it, and god bless you for what you do. Teachers rock.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[Sarojini]

Congrats!!!! I'm so glad to hear you're back to work and loving it!!! :grouphug:

[creatingkarma]

What an honor to be nominated. You must be a wonderful teacher! Way to go & thank you for caring for our children.

[kadi]

Hooray! Thank you for sharing the good news:)

[Babs RN]

Kadi,
Thanks for being a teacher too. I can only hope as Lindsey gets older she has wonderful teachers like those I have met on the boards.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[Cheries]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Having this condition has been such a hard thing at times because I have felt like it has robbed me of so much of what I could do. (You ever get that feeling?) So, a couple of years ago I decided that I had to keep doing what I loved, no matter what. There are days when I have had to question that, but it has honestly kept me sane I think to work with kids. Right now I am producing a show with 75 kids in it. (Am I insane or what?:) I have had reservations if I could do this, but decided to press on. The parents have been awesome and really helped out a lot. Last year my amazing Theatre teacher passed away of cancer. In her honor I continued her tradition of creating a yearly holiday show based on the scripts written by the students. It is created, written and produced by the kids. Although I have to be careful about the stress level I feel strongly that kids need to develop their creativity and performance skills. Having IC is really just a part of who we are. We can still do what we love. Sometimes we have to take a break, but it doesn't have to be forever. I still have a long way to go in getting my IC under control, but in the meantime I want to have a life and share what I can. One of my friends said to me, "You need to take it easy and stay home and relax etc." I answered her that what keeps me going and gives meaning to my life is working with my students. It also keeps my mind off of the pain at times. Hopefully I will get more treatments and be able to have a more symptom-free life. At times I look around me and am amazed that others don't realize how fortunate they are to be able to work without the pain we have.

[vm]

WONDERFUL! What a treat to be nominated for an award on top of just the satisfaction of being able to teach in spite of IC. Your story will give others hope - thank you so much for sharing it. :) :) :)

[amber sevy]

:grouphug: You should be so proud. Thank you for your work as a teacher. We all need more people like you. let us all know how your award goes :angel: