Hello friend,
I hope this finds you enjoying the dog days of summer.
My summer flew by because I’ve been through a whirlwind of change recently.
In the spring I prayed about whether to leave teaching after merely six years in the profession. I loved teaching, but I was losing that excitement I had when I first started. It was a very difficult decision to sit down with my principal and share that I wasn’t coming back for the 2023-24 year. I loved Middleton High School. The people, the parents, the students. But I didn’t love staying up every night until very late grading papers so I could give each student a comment or two. I didn’t like the constant fight when I asked students to get off social media and get to work on our lessons. That part was very hard.
I wasn’t ready to completely retire so I threw my resume back into the accounting field and I was hired by a wonderful CPA firm, Cooper Norman. I’ve been on the job for two weeks. My brain is full as I learn processes and procedures, but I can tell I’m going to love it!
Whew! Not only did I change jobs, but WE MOVED!
We bought a home in a fifty-five-and-over community in Meridian where both Steve and I are close to work. The neighborhood is very quiet and the HOA does the yard and pool maintenance. You can’t beat that! The neighbors are awesome and the community is active. We live near a golf course so I’ve even taken up golf. (I’m terrible — as you can tell by the golf-ball-shaped bruise on Steve’s leg.
I had no idea how hard this move would be on my emotions. The timing was right as the school year ended. Our son Gabe and his family moved into our house and we moved out the following week. Although I’m delighted to know they get to enjoy the home that meant so much to me, I do miss some of the unique things about that house.
- No more She-Shed. (Although Ryanne gets to keep her crafts in there and Gabe has quiet to work.)
- No more fairy lights and all the things hanging from my trees and fence. (The new house does not have a fence.)
- No more cats – they are outdoor cats and our new neighborhood only allows for indoor cats. But the good news is I get to visit them whenever I want because they stayed at the old house.
- No more infrared sauna. (It won’t fit in our new house.)
- Oh yeah, and I’m selling my motor home too.
Change is hard. But, I realize it isn’t about things. It is about the blessings of having three of our six grandkids just minutes away. It is about the beautiful redemption story Steve and I are living out as we start over in a new community. It is about trusting God in all things — even when it is different and difficult. This reminds me of the verse — Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
That verse has been on repeat lately! He is trustworthy!
I hope this finds you well.
Gigi
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She is leaving the teaching career she has loved these past thirty-seven years.
I’m sad I can’t be at the party because it conflicts with the writing conference our organization is putting on this weekend.
L-R Front Row Shelley, LeAnne, Marilyn, Judy Back Row Kathy, Patti, Gigi
But not being at the party doesn’t make me any less proud.
Trust me when I say her name is not Goodheart by accident.
My sister Marilyn is a Devine Poet extraordinaire.
Whenever there is a family celebration of life, Mar comes through with a poem.
So today I share the poem Marilyn wrote for Kathy.
Kathleen Marie Theresa (of the little flower) Devine Goodheart
She is the fourth of ten siblings
With a smile that is so Devine
With a heart as big as the universe
And a soul so pure and so kind.
Her banjo eyes would tell a story
With conviction and with desire
She had a passion for teaching
And now it’s time to retire.
Every student of hers will remember
The lessons taught with a ‘good heart’
The belief that every child she met
Had a right to learn and be smart.
Not all times were lessons in classrooms
Not all lessons were taught from a book
It was first aid and mittens and snow boots
Or times when she just gave that look.
They knew whenever she was near them
That each one was important to her
To her they each had a purpose
To each they knew who they were.
They were children with all different stories
Who wanted their stories to be heard
And wanted someone to believe in them
Who would focus on their every word.
These children were lucky to find one
That cared about them from the start
That gave them one hundred and ten percent
How lucky to know Mrs. Goodheart.
There were many Flat Stanley’s that traveled
With his colorful clothes and kind face
He transparently taught all those students
Each geographical place.
There is nothing like a good teacher
That forms an innocent mind
With love, with faith and conviction
It’s my sister, who is so Devine.
I believe that you made a difference
And followed your heart and desire
To make the world so much better
To teach, to love, to inspire.
May you leave the profession with a smile
And walk away with pride and with grace
Cause Kath you truly gave it your all
For the world is a much better place.
Enjoy this great time cause you earned it
And know there is pride from above
Cause you made them so proud for what you gave
Mom and Dad I am sure send their love.
Kath-Sorry I couldn’t be there tonight but know I celebrate everyday for being lucky enough to call you my sister!
Congratulations and enjoy your retirement…the next chapter in this good thing called LIFE…love ya. Marilyn
Ditto for me, Kathy.
Gigi