Jace's First Haircut

My face flushed, my heart began pounding in my ears, and Earth itself split in two. I felt myself falling down into an endless pit--okay, maybe a tad dramatic.

I always imagined Jace with long blond curly locks that caused him to be mistaken for a girl. Don't get me wrong, I didn't want people to think he was a girl-I just wanted to enjoy his beautiful baby hair for a while. He grew it out to about "surfer dude" length but that is where it ended.

My visions of an abundance of pictures, prior to an unsure trip to my neighbor (a hairstylist), where I would wipe tears away as snippets of Jace's hair fell to the ground, were brought to a nails-on-a-chalkboard, needle-on-a-record, kind of screeching halt by a five-year-old with safety scissors.

I was being "professionally developed" so Eric was at home watching the kids. He decided to take a shower before work (probably a good thing). Little did he know, Connor had a plan...Connor decided Jace needed a haircut so he climbed up on the kitchen table to retrieve the necessary tool.

The scene ends with Eric getting out of the shower only to see a guilty five-year-old holding safety scissors. "What are you doing?" he questions with a tinge of "uh oh" in his voice.
"I was cutting paper" Connor unconvincingly replies. Just then, a smiling baby Jace waddles from behind him-his shoulders covered in the hair that once was on his head. Eric took a deep breath, let it out, and said "Connor, go to your room."

To My Mentors

As I readied this morning for my first official day back to work I had a thought that brought tears to my eyes. I immediately ran to my writers notebook and wrote this letter. This is to my mentors...

Dearest friend,

I consider the time you have given me a truly special gift; you have shared your true heart's passion with me and continue to help me by letting me learn along your side. Your constant patience and support has allowed me to grow into the teacher I now am and allows me to know that there is always room to grow by constantly wondering, questioning, learning, and discovering. I thank you. I would not be the person I am today without our crossing paths. You are truly instrumental in my life and thus the lives of many others.

My dear friend I hear your voice often, it comes to me in all that I do. I hear your calming words when things are tough, your questions when you are challenging me to think deeper, and your joy during both large and small celebrations. Most importantly there is love intertwined in all that you say.

As I ready myself for my second year of teaching I am overjoyed that the universe brought us together. I want you to know that I carry you in my heart wherever I go.

Love,
Teresa