At about 4:45 this evening, right as I got un-locked out of the main part of the building, I was in the office to let my co-worked Donna back in.  I left the door open, and one of my students' foster mom's, "T" came wandering in with a, "Hi, Emily".  I know, this is a dreaded thing for some teachers, but I really like interacting with my students and their families, and T is really nice and helpful and understanding. 

We talked for a long time about her daughter's imaginary friend, and how neither of us can find a pattern to when 'Logan' makes an appearance.  We talked about how happy we are that she's responding to our behavior plan, and things we will try when other things aren't going well.  This conversation easily went on 25 minutes.

As she was heading to go, she zips her coat and says, "Thanks for all the hard work you do with her.  It shows".  Now, I suck at accepting praise, and I am very hard on myself/my performance as a teacher especially, but that... I needed that.  I needed the recognition that she knows I'm busting my ass for her 6-year-old.  And all the other kids.  It was really nice to hear that I'm not doing it in vain; that someone else sees progress and believes in what I'm trying to do.  It left me feeling invigorated for tomorrow and planning for all of next week.

*Did I not mention that next week is hyper special?!?  I am actually going on a 4-day overnight trip with my 5th grader.  He needed support, and none of my staff could go with him, so I am.  I am a little nervous, just because if he blows NEITHER of us will be in a known place where we know we're safe/can get help, but we'll take it as it comes.  He's been good so far, and I believe he can make it this trip...and be so nicely bonded to his peers.   He really needs that.  More than anything, he really needs friends his own age.