Lived Experience Forum

[Zoe7]

You are so right @Snowie We spend most of our holidays doing work. My sister's partner used to be one of those people - now he is teaching at TAFE and honestly is not coping with it all. My sister does a lot of his work for him (as well as do her job as well). It has been a massive reality check for him and my sister has commented a few times about how easy he thought teachers have it - he doesn't like that lol I have a silent giggle to myself - validation I suppose but not any that I need from him.

I have in the past taken on extra responibilites also which has meant a substantial amount of work in my own time - I don't do that anymore and Toby as well as my health have had a lot to do with that. Tobes will no doubt love having me home and I am also hoping to get out with him occasionally - and yes Bunnings is on the agenda next week when I get paid. Tobes loves being wheeled around in the trolley and getting treats from the staff there. I haven't taken him the last couple of visits because on covid but now we have softer restrictions I can take him again. The downside is I often spend more time (and money) there when I do take him because I am not rushing back to him in the car  Do you every take Izzy with you?

[Snowie]

Hehe @Zoe7 It is a reality check for some people.

I haven't thought of taking Izzy with me to bunnings but perhaps next time I go I will take her. Will let you know how I go!

Sounds like when I take the kids to the shops with me. I spend more money and time there. But then again Tobes is almost human anyway 😉🤣

[Zoe7]

haha yes he is @Snowie  I was having a conversation today with my Mum about our fur babies. She said how worried she is for both me and my sister with our dogs and the thought of if anything happened to them. I tried to put a positive spin on it - yes they are super important to us but I would not change anything because having them in our lives has made it so much better than if we hadn't had them at all. I do know I would be totally lost without Tobes and cannot think of the day he would not be with me ...right now it would be the end of me 

I could imagine you taking Izzy with you. I have a blannket in the car that I put in the top of the trolley. Tobes just sits there like he is a king whilst I wheel him around. He has never tried to jump out but does look for pats from everyone ...and of course he gets them - he certainly knows how cute he is lol

Have already taken my meds tonight as they have been taking a long time to kick in lately. The bed is made and the doona set up on the couch also just in case. I will pack the car soon so I don't have to do it in the morning - that will save a litte time. I also have to put in a couple of boxes to bring home some thiings I took in earlier in the year - they are personal resources that I would hate to go missing.

Do you miss the work Hon? I know there is so many other factors for you all tied up into the work but do you miss teaching the kids?

[Snowie]

It is hard to imagine our lives without our fur babies, they mean so much to us @Zoe7 

Hoping your night meds don't take too long to kick in hun. I am sure Tobes will be happy whever you sleep as long as he can sleep next to you!

I do miss teaching. I miss the kids. Where I worked was a very low economic area with lots of disadvantaged students. I liked helping those students and miss making a difference in their lives. I don't want to blow my own horn, but I knew how to get through to those 'difficult' students, it is what I specialised in. Many other teachers didn't have the patience nor the understanding for those students but I always did, and was told that plenty of times.

Mostly I miss feeling worthy and valued. It is something, in time, that I want to get back too.

[Zoe7]

I can actually see that of you @Snowie from your kindness here. I also used to work in a similar school(s) over the years and have that same connection with those kids. I did some time as a support teacher for those kids - some of which were excluded from school. I don't think it takes a special kind of person to work with those kids - it just takes one that truly cares as kids very much pick up on that - and you obviously truly care 

I would really love to see you back at work one day because we certainly need more people like you in the profession. I know that is a long road for you with many, many factors involved before that can happen but sometimes hope is all we need to find that path forward again.

...and for the record Hon - you ARE worthy and very much value by us here ...and loved too as I suspect your kids have felt over the years 💛🧡💚💙💜

[Snowie]

Awww thanks @Zoe7 💜

It has been lovely catching up with you tonight hon. It is time for me to go to bed. I hope your sleeping meds kick in and you get some sleep tonight. 

Talk again soon 💙💛💜

[Zoe7]

You are most welcome @Snowie 

I hope you sleep well - lovely chatting to you too 

[Faith-and-Hope]

I agree @Zoe7  ..... @Snowie your gentleness and strength of empathy are all too obvious to us here.  I look forward to your recovery and return to working with the kids again ......step by step towards that goal.

I have been spending time with my kids this afternoon, they baked me a birthday cake - after the event because one of them wasn't up to it until today ..... and watching a movie.

[Zoe7]

Soooo pleased you have had that quality time today with your kids Hon - enjoy those moments and hold onto them @Faith-and-Hope  

[Zoe7]

Finally getting sleepy @Faith-and-Hope so heading to bed island. I hope you are not too far behind me tonight. Goodnight sweetheart 💕😘