Last Friday, I had a full day planned. Our fourth grade classes were going on a field trip. I had pushed for this field trip to the Historical Society, because I thought the kids would really enjoy it and learn a lot. My teammate put several stress filled hours into planning every detail. I prepared the lists of students groups, sent our reminders to pack lunches, and printed out emergency contact information. I was ready to go!
As I was putting on my make up at home the morning of the trip, my nine year old daughter showed me the roof of her mouth where she had just had oral surgery a week and a half before. It was really swollen and there was an ominous looking white dot. She had shown me the bump late the night before and it hadn't looked good then, but it was much worse now. My husband was on his way out of town on a business trip, and we have no family in town. I called the doctor. They wanted to see her that day, of course. Reluctantly, I called the school secretary to see what she thought I should do. She worked her magical powers and arranged for our marvelous Leap Teacher to take my place on the field trip. Instead of going on the field trip, I took my sweet daughter to the oral surgeon where they had to put her under anesthesia, open up the area and then clean it out. She now has stitches again and is back on her special diet.
The plans I had made to go on a field trip with my class unfortunately never happened. Instead, I was able to take care of my fearless daughter who handled it all like a champ. I now plan to take my daughters to the Historical Society and experience it with them for the first time. I know my class had a great time without me, and I can't wait to hear about what they learned tomorrow.
Yikes! That mom/teacher thing is always so hard! Thank heavens for terrific secretaries and colleagues that are willing to step in and help. Hope your daughter is on the road to recovery!
Ahh...the constant battle of finding the balance! Has any mom/teacher ever actually found it? I love that you seem to have let the guilt go...I need to take your lead and work on that! Thanks for sharing.