I’m planning my retirement… from motherhood. I know, I know momming isn’t a gig that ever actually ends, but I’m preparing for my next chapter. For over twenty years I’ve devoted myself to my family. I’ve tried working a few times, but the few coins I’d earn were never worth the time away from my people. Now they’re all ditching me. {Appropriately so, may I add.}
I have just one more year as a high school mom. And then I fully expect to take this show on the road – visiting my adult kids as they navigate this life. But that won’t be all day every day. So, it’s time to figure something out.
I have a degree in a field I never pursued. I have business experience. But I always wanted to be a teacher. So, last spring I started substitute teaching. I chose elementary aged kids. And I loved all the hugs and cuteness. But there were so. many. of. them. I’d come home depleted of energy.
One day I subbed in a young adult program for cognitively impaired students. Within hours I was texting home that I had found a match. One of the teacher’s aides pulled me aside and let me know that she would be retiring, and encouraged me to apply. The timing really was right. Applying, getting hired, going through the steps took most of the summer. And today, I launched a new adventure as a TA.
One year will overlap with my senior’s year. But I won’t have to miss sporting events or ceremonies because I’ll be heading home just after 3:00. We’ll have next summer to hang out and pursue our mutual love of garage sales and thrift shops.
And then, when the kids are gone, I won’t be caught weeping at the kitchen table without a purpose. I will still be me, with an identity and an affiliation. I’ll have a place to spend my energy and share my talents. And when I’m on a break from school, I can catch up with my own favorite students!
Auda Here 