Honor through helping

Ten years ago, I worked at the American Red Cross.  I was a measly little marketing specialist, doing my part to help my chapter raise money and awareness so we could help local families impacted by fire and flood, and send out volunteers and supplies to communities hit by natural disasters.  We trained folks in first aid and CPR and how to use an AED.  We helped people be prepared, and even learn how to swim.  Hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes were regular occurrences, and I was proud to work for a large, national organization that could quickly spin into action to help others while doing the daily work of making our communities safer.

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Angels and demons

He’s taken to calling her “convict,” which I think is funny in that she’s never even been incarcerated…just, you know, verbally disciplined and now…written up.

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Welcome to your new life

Yesterday, we went to a morning mass because it was Packet Sunday.  This is the Sunday before school starts, and after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. masses parents can head over to the music room in the school to pick up information for the coming school year.  I was very excited, and a little nervous, as I had been warned by veteran grade school parents that the packet is rather intimidating and requires hours of work and multiple checks.

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Last Day

For me, anyway. I dropped her off for the last time at preschool today. M takes her on Friday as I’ll be in KC on business again. That’s probably a good thing since I burst into tears upon leaving school this morning. I called M, sobbing. He laughed gently, and made me laugh, and predicted that I’ll be a complete mess Thursday when she starts kindergarten.
All I keep thinking about are big steps in her life. The day she was born. The first day she walked. The first day of preschool. Where did it go? And will it ever slow down?
Even if it doesn’t, I’m just happy I’m along for the ride. “Parent” is the best job title I will ever hold.

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License to thrill

This morning, after six long years, I got a new driver’s license.  Normally getting a new license isn’t cause for celebration, but consider this: when I got my license renewed six years ago, I was 8.5 months pregnant.  And in desperate need of a haircut.  And pre-LASIK.  Essentially, for about six years, I’ve carried a license that looks nothing like me.  I’ve dealt with tons of skeptical TSA agents who take twice as long to scour my license and my face, trying to make the match before whistling, “Wow.  This doesn’t look like you at all.”  I know.  I’ve dealt with overzealous Kohl’s cashiers checking to ensure my license matches my credit card.  “You cut your hair!”  I know.  I’ve had friends laugh their asses off when entering bars, “Holy crap!  Look at that!”  I know, already.

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