August

When August rolls around that only means one thing in my family, its back to school time. With that being said, it also means that school is the only thing we talk about until May... or June... or July... oh wait I don't think it ever stops. My family never stops learning about how to teach in a better way. They drive me to be a better teacher and a better person. I just hope that I can make them proud one day with my teaching ability. This time is an exciting time for me. It's a time where I can put into action what I have been taught from my family and mentors. I get to decorate my classroom. This year my theme is Huff's Heroes (Superhero). I'm loving what I can do with it too. You may think that I shouldn't have a theme because I'm teaching 7th and 8th grade but I believe its going to help me get my students to where they need to be behaviorally. They are all going to become a Huff Hero.
August also means another thing in my family. Another anniversary of my dad's passing is here. This year marks 4 years that my dad hasn't been with us. Geez, it doesn't feel like it could be that long ago. A lot of things have happened in those 4 years. I worked two summers with an organization that helped transform me.  I graduated college. I got my first teaching job. I bought and renovated a house. 4 years of growing up and 4 years of firsts.
Today, I went to visit a family friend and my boss.  She lost her mother this weekend from a long battle of cancer. When talking with her, it brought up so many emotions and memories. I remember what she's feeling. I remember many other firsts that I had without my dad; my first Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday, etc. I remember the first time I forgot that Dad wasn't with us and I tried to call him.  Even though the firsts never stop, the firsts get a little easier or we get stronger. I hope and believe its the latter.
Tonight as I sit here a write this, I pray for all of those who have lost a loved one. Who continues to live through the firsts. I pray that God will help them be stronger. I pray that they will continue to see that the only person that someone could rely on in the hurt and sadness is the heavenly one who created us.  I'll end this with my favorite verse that I hang on to.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10