Wow....I never thought it would get here. Teaching kindergarten day in and day out, just hanging on to those hopes of times of solace. I can say with pride that "I made it!" to spring break, which means a week to recover, rest and rejuvenate my mind and body.

Don't get me wrong--I love teaching kids. Unfortunately, this year has been harder than the previous, due to my MS and changing therapies and increasing leg issues. I have also met with my principal on more than one occasion this year to discuss moving to a less taxing position next year. So many decisions, but with spring break here, I choose to not focus to far into the future.

Honestly, since my diagnosis in August 2007, I have been taking life one day at a time, trying not to focus on my old self, or worry about my future with this crazy disease. Isn't that what everyone should do? Not only with MS, but also with the economy and issues facing our nation. Can't get too worked up about that without it affecting your health. I am taking the advice from one of my kindergarten students: "You don't have to be friends with everybody. You don't even have to like stuff. But you DO have to be kind." (that is a classroom rule. The last three words anyway.)

Whether you are like me and have very little spring in your step because you can't feel your legs, or you are packing to go skiing this next week, please make it a point to focus on what good is left in life--the promise of spring, the "feeling good" days, the gift of a good cup of coffee. And always remember rule #1 in Room 127 in Lincoln Elementary: Be kind. (even if you can't feel your feet, and know that you are not alone.) Happy Spring!