Love

I have a love/hate relationship with my job. I am a preschool teacher, and am currently working in the infant/toddler room. I love my babies and toddlers, but sometimes I have a hard time being enthusiastic about my work. Why, you ask? Because as an industry, mine is not nearly compensated for the amount of work we do. We are over-worked and under-paid. The scheduling sometimes sucks, and working with a staff of all women can be wearing on the brain and the soul.

Why be a preschool teacher then? Why put myself through the stressors I do? Because of days like today.

My favorite kid (we're not supposed to have faves, but whatev.... I do) is so dang cute. We'll call him "M." Tonight, at pick-up time, said "favorite kid's" mom came to me and told me a story that warmed my heart and reminded me of why I do this job.

She told me that she was put "M" down for bed last night. He stretched his arms behind his head, put his pacifier in his mouth, and started to drift off, while looking dreamily at the ceiling with an inquisitive look on his face. When she leaned in and asked him what he was thinking about, his little voice whispered, "Lori."

I think my heart simultaneously grew three sizes and melted. I love that damn kid.

And I love being a preschool teacher. Most of the time. ;)