By Jennifer Richardson
I am rarely absent from school. I don’t like to be out. Every year, I seem to run myself into the ground and come down with some illness that keeps me out for two days. These days are necessary but are filled with guilt and concern
Last week I had five days of laryngitis. I thought that was the extent of my illness. I was not running a temperature, I was not in any discomfort. I just had no voice. I slept most of the weekend, missing all sorts of events I had planned.
Sunday night arrived my temperature rose and my lungs hurt. No school for Monday. The doctor told me that it was not something that could be cured with medication. A virus that would have to run its course. I am not a patient person.
Another day out. I could possibly push through the day but, it may set me back. I KNOW I need to take time and let my body heal but the guilt is real.
Oh no. Feel better. If you need help keeping the guilt at bay (it plagues many of us when we have to be out sick), just think of Donna.
She is a sparkly fairy godmother stationed in the front office. Every day people come to her with their challenges and troubles and she finds ways to mend it stitch it back together. But if you so much as step foot in her office with a sniffle or sign of illness, she turns into a guardian dragon, shielding her space (and the school) from germs. No longer wielding a sparkly wand, she brandishes the Lysol spray and wipes until you retreat for home and recover.
So if your brain says,’but I should be there!’ Warn it about the dragon. Your kids wouldn’t want you to face a dragon. (Thanks…I’ve just had the idea for a story of Donna the fairy godmother turned dragon.)
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Last week when I had no voice, the nurse insisted on checking my temp regularly. She was prepared to give me the boot!
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Oh no! Sorry to hear you are sick! It’s so hard being a teacher and being out. I don’t know about your substitute situation, but where I live we’re having trouble even getting subs. However, you have to think of your health first so you can go back and give those kids what they need! Feel better!
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We do have a sub problem but, I am a behavior teacher. There really is no person who can step into my job. The support staff takes the lead and a sub would fill their position.
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Hot water, honey, and lemon. Take care of yourself! I am the worst when it comes to staying home but it’s important to do so.
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Hopefully you are on the road to recovery. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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