Today I'm thankful for a checklist that I didn't complete.

11/5/19

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In August of 2005 I stepped into Susi's class room for my very first school-based internship on the road to getting my teaching certificate. I was beyond excited and I eagerly completed any task that Susi had for me. I couldn't wait to get in front of students and I quickly found that an elementary classroom would become one of my happiest happy places. After several more internships I returned to Susi's classroom in the spring to student teach. Susi became my mentor as well as my friend.

Fast forward a few years and Susi has retired from teaching. Since her retirement, she has volunteered regularly in my classroom. She loves a to-do list as much as I do, and now she eagerly completes any task I have for her. Today she arrived at my classroom with two iced teas in hand and was met with a hefty to-do list. She sorted, filed, cut, stapled, graded, traced, labeled, and checked off item after item on the list. She worked for 5 hours straight, saving me 5 hours of work I'd otherwise be doing. Talk about grateful!

The tables may have turned on who is making the to-do list these days, but our friendship has remained constant. For that, I am blessed.