Bittersweet

Tuesday was one of my 'bittersweet" days. Have you ever witnessed a little child's behavior as they must stop something really fun they are doing....and be told to do something less desirable like "go to bed", "we have to leave now", "time to pick up". The reactions to those directions are sometimes pouting, whining, or worst case scenario....an all out fit!!!

Well....Tuesday I could put myself in that position....but without the kicking and screaming!!! As many of you know....I applied for retirement disability from the Michigan Office of Retirement Services. Good news....I have been approved and will officially retire this year with my termination date set for April 30th. Well yesterday I took my letter of termination in to Cadillac Public School's central office.....and that was my first bittersweet moment!
Handing over the piece of paper that would confirm I was completely done teaching was a "gulp" moment for me. My passion for teaching kids will never die and will never fade! It will always be a special part of who I am and what I had to offer our younger generation.

The second bittersweet moment came when I made my final decision to have my horse "Molly" go to live at new home. Some of you may remember last year when I actually had a buyer for her...and changed my mind the last minute....because I could not give up on horses just yet:)

After a long (almost 6 month) winter I concluded that Molly needs to be in a place where she is ridden and enjoyed.....and can be a "horse".
So yesterday my friends Doris and Willie Hanson, from Interlochen came and picked up Molly and took her to her new home. Doris is an avid rider and excellent trainer! She will get Molly back in shape and take her on the Michigan Shore to Shore ride this year. Doris and Willie own a colt that Molly had in 2006 and still have at their farm. So actually Molly will be with 'family".......whether she remembers it or not!

I was pretty good as they loaded her on the trailer and said our goodbyes.
As I watched them drive down the road......I held it together really well!
Then....after I stepped into the house....two seconds later...the tears flowed....but just for a few moments. During the 7 years I owned Molly two lifelong friendships were made! One with her previous owner, Ginger VanDam, who lives in Alabama and the second with Willie and Doris Hanson. Had it not been for Molly....these friendships would have never been developed. I am content and happy!!

So two chapters are closing in my life......school and horses! All of this was accompanied by some pouting and whining...and a little kicking and screaming (LOL). But I doubt the book doesn't end there! I'm sure up the road I will continue to have an influence on students....and maybe even a little pony may visit us some summer for the grandchildren:)

My deepest appreciation goes to Ken for taking care of Molly for these past two years.....for watering her, feeding her, plowing the snow out of her pasture, and for nuzzling her when I couldn't. I am blessed to have a husband who shared and supported my "horsey" habit!

Before I end this post I wanted to share a few updates and prayer requests:

Sue Kuhn is home from the hospital after her surgery to remove a brain tumor. She has just started chemotherapy and radiation. Please pray for Sue as she goes through these treatments and for Steve as he takes care of his wife. Pray for safety and strength as they make the trip to Traverse City five days a week for the next six weeks.

Jonathan Cooper (17 yrs, old) has been evaluated by a specialist at Cleveland Clinic for his auto immune disease 'sarcoid". Praise God they have not found the disease affecting any organs other than the kidneys. Please pray that the right treatment will be provided for him and that any "red tape" from the insurance company can be avoided!

Nita Kitson had a heart cath on Tuesday....I have not heard any results yet...but please pray that she returns to a measure of good health soon.

Kris Gibbs (our niece Elizabeth Nichols fiance) has many health concerns resulting from his second liver transplant last July 16th. Please pray for his continuing improvement and that God would grant him a miraculous recovery from the many trials he has endured. You can read about Kris here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Krisgibbs

Thanks again for allowing me to share our life with you through this blog! To me it is my link to the outside world when I am unable to get out and mingle!! I would love to hear back from you too when you have things in your life that you'd like to share!!!

A new feature on our blog is the "follower" section. So if you'd like to join that group....please do! We are also on facebook....where I have enjoyed connecting with many former students, family, and friends.

We are looking forward to seeing Kurt, Heidi, Andrew, Jon, Kirsten and Rachelle this weekend so check back Sunday to see those pics!!!

Love to you all!!!!