Hi.

So.... I had some trouble sleeping most of the night last night due to heavy thinking about some words from my previous blog post. These words to be exact :

"I work with people and families that deal with such struggles on a daily basis. I love them all. Sometimes I am encouraged to get out of that field because of the toll it can take on me.  But I will never walk away from them because they need this the most. I may be taking a pause so I can strengthen myself again for them. But I won't walk away. This isn't just their issue to face. It is an issue for us all to face together. No matter how difficult it gets."


I couldn't sleep because in addition to these words feeling a little arrogant, I realized that the opposite is in fact true. Most of you know I am a Special Education Teacher in a Community Classroom. And the fact of the matter is, I am the one who needs these kids, their families, and everything that comes along with the experience of working in our classroom. I am comforted and in awe of everything they demonstrate and represent. Like the fact that success and happiness are not measured by a standardized unit, and no one in that room is expected to fit into any type of box, but everyone is cherished for the uniqueness they bring to our mix. I am also extremely thankful for the team of people I get to work with and learn from. Despite the challenges, despite the struggles, despite our differences, we are just that; a community. Anyhow, I could go on and on, and I probably will on many occasions in the future, because that's kinda how I roll. But the point is, they don't really need me, but I sure as H. E. Double Hockey Sticks need them!

Speaking of hockey! ;) My oldest child, Aidan plays and is a goalie. I love, love, love watching him play and it is always exciting. Today however, was one of those times where it was both exciting and heartbreaking in the end. It was the semi-finals game to make it into tomorrow's championship game. Although his team was ahead for most of the game, it was eventually tied up and into overtime.  In the end, the other team scored on Aidan with 17 seconds left. I immediately pushed my dear friend Gary practically off the bench (poor guy comes to cheer and support and I spent most of the game hitting, grabbing and pushing him out of excitement). Then I immediately teared up at the sight of Aidan hanging his head, and his teammates slowly coming together to pat him supportively on the head and make their way off the ice. I just felt so deeply in my heart how I knew he felt at that moment. As I entered the dressing room to help him take off his gear, in true Aidan style, he handled it as stoically as possible. But we had a beautiful moment where no words were needed, we just made eye contact and hugged. The other beautiful thing was watching my daughter Dani. As the game got more intense for her brother, she put down her Rainbow Loom, stood on the edge of the bleachers and gave him thumbs up every chance she could to make him feel better. 

On the way home from the game, following a good chat, we decided to do something to make us feel better. So we stopped at a dollar store and got Aidan some new hockey cards, as he likes to collect them, and together we like to find the cards containing players and fans in the background making the most hilarious faces. We spent a good amount of 
time going through each card and voting for our favourites.

Best All Around Hilarious Card. Seriously, really look at it. 

Best Face In An Action Sequence 

Best Face-Singles Category

Best Faces- Doubles Category

Best Face Singles Runner Up

So thankfully these fantastic captured moments cheered us up. And we have some captured moments of our own from today :)  

As a person who feels all emotions with great depth, I tend to try and avoid the physical pain that can often come with negative feelings. Which really means I'm just internalizing them and tricking myself only momentarily. I'm trying to accept and acknowledge that feeling those deep emotions really just means I am experiencing all aspects of life to the fullest, and trying to encourage myself to welcome them for what they are worth. 

(Ok, and for the record, I am not blowing life out of proportion. I know losing a hockey game isn't a real issue, I just felt bad for my guy. He's fine and is now experiencing a new emotion over the fact that he has had to wait so long for me to finish using the computer ;) ) 

Thanks for coming to support today, Gary! Sorry about your bruises.... 

Gary and Owie, watching Aidan's game. More on Gary in the future....