By Mary Hill
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| Me, reading during a school-wide read-a-thon to celebrate Drop Everything and Read Week in 2008 |
I had just returned from Spring Break 2010, tired and defeated. I know most teachers return to their classrooms or libraries after Spring Break rejuvenated. I had a challenge facing me that was literally destroying me inside. I couldn’t concentrate on my tasks. I felt a week late everyday.
The place just below my toes on my left foot were constantly bruised from dropping encyclopedias on my feet. My hands hurt, and my ankles swelled causing me to limp around my library. Bending to reach the bottom shelves was impossible. Physically, I was getting worse everyday.
I had had so much hope after the knee replacements. I’d get them replaced and everything would be better. Once again, my hopes failed me because old “Arthir” turned up his attacks on other joints that had hurt before but now burned and ached into my bones.
How was I going to make it as a librarian? I had classes to teach and a library to run. The arthritis had won and I waved my white flag of surrender to my principal. She came in excited. Great changes were coming with renovations and new computers.
I wanted to cry, but I mustered my news. I had a note from doctors saying I could not work anymore in my condition. She was kind and said she understood when I told her Friday would be my last day.
(Part Two will continue tomorrow. This is my first post in the Seventh Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge! You can learn more about the challenge here. )
Ahh, I am so sorry that you lost a piece of life that you loved. I can’t wait to read part two.
I’m with everyone else. The disappointment is tangible. Hugs.
I imagine you impacted many in your years as a librarian. You will go on to inspire as you write this month and maybe find a new calling in your own words.
I too know the power of “Arthir” to bring us to our knees and change the course of our lives. I will be back tomorrow to read, I hope, of how you found a new outlet for your energy and love of words….somehow….it sounds like you are a writer…..
Your post brings me to tears….I know “Arthir” myself and how his insidious powerful attacks can bring us to our knees….and change the course of our lives….I will be back to read part II tomorrow….and hope that you have found a new direction for your love of words…..somehow….I think……
What a tough way to end what I’m sure was a career you loved.
Wow. This is very touching and I felt there with you, in the moment, wondering where the day and events will take you. I’ll be looking for part two.
Kevin
PS — Can I say how interesting it is to see my cursor arrow become a rose at your site?
🙂
So sorry about arthritis intervening with your job. Such a touching yet riveting real life story today Mary. Can’t wait for part two.