Reflections

As I sit here staring out the window on this cold and snowy Thursday morning (school is canceled!) and listening to the rhythmic pounding of Scott's feet on the treadmill, I find my mind thinking about the past year and where I am in my life right now.

Winter is often the season in which I do most of my reflection. I'm not a fan of cold weather, and especially not cold and wet weather, so I spend a lot of time sitting inside...sitting inside and looking out. I guess it's a bit of a metaphor for my processing...going deep within myself, my heart, my brain, and "looking" out at my life.

2009 was a great year for me...so great, that part of me actually hated to see it come to an end. Professionally, I've never had a better year. The previous summer I decided to revamp my teaching style and never before had I felt more invigorated or "in tune" with my teaching or my students. I was named Teacher of the Year at my school and I brought the idea of Writers Week back from the National Conference for English Teachers.

Attending one session, with two gentlemen from a Chicago high school, changed my life and the environment of my entire school. With the help and dedication of a few of my closest and most respected colleagues, we created an event which showcased our students' writing abilities, humanized teachers in the eyes of their students, and allowed a number of professional writers to share their talents and crafts with large groups of students. This event brought students together, realizing they were all very much alike, despite gender, race, culture, abilities, etc. At the end of the year, a majority of seniors (as well as other students) voted WW as the most memorable event in their high school experiences. To know that I was a part of that is almost overwhelming.

In addition to such great fortune professionally, Scott came into my life. For this, I am most blessed.

Of all places, Scott and I met online. I'd never have guessed I'd make a lasting connection with someone through this venue, but then, never would I have guessed I could have such a profound connection with a partner. And, that is what Scott has become...a partner, in every sense of the word. In six short months (despite my feeling like I have known him forever), he has become my best friend, my confidante, my hero, my stability, my rock. Despite my independent-minded personality and lifestyle, I can't (nor do I want to) imagine living without him. In addition to Scott, my life has been enriched by two young men, his sons- O. and M. I joke that I got three for the price of one, but I can't imagine my life without any of them.

My life has definitely changed in the past few months. Where I was beginning to think I would spend this life on my own, with the unconditional love of friends and family to feed my soul, I'm now on the verge of joining my already fulfilled life with Scott and his boys. I never dreamed my happiness could be multiplied in such great measure.

So, I sit here watching the snow swirl in the frigid breeze and I'm thankful for a lazy day in a home with the boys I've grown to love, for the warm and crackling fire Scott built a little while ago, and for the understanding that this is just the beginning to a beautiful new phase of my life. I'll forever carry fond memories of 2009, but I also look forward with great anticipation for what 2010 has to offer.

May you all be as richly blessed as I feel this very moment.