After 24
years of teaching in parochial schools, my husband, Larry, and I retired and
moved to the Springfield area. Our
daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter live in Willard, so moving to
Brookline was ideal. We were close
enough to see each other and yet far enough away that we wouldn’t run into one
another every time we went to the store.
Larry and I had discussed ideas of what we would be doing to supplement
our income. We made some plans and God
laughed! Our plans were not His plans! Larry
decided to be a part-time school bus driver for the Republic school district. His part-time changed within the first few
months of school--he now has a daily route driving each morning and
afternoon! So much for sleeping in every
morning! He is also a trained Fatherhood
Development Curriculum facilitator for Good Dads. I even got him involved!
My plans for
retirement were to be a substitute teacher.
I loved being a teacher and I love working with kids. I thought with Springfield Lutheran School, as
well as the other parochial and private schools in the area, I would be able to
pick and choose when and where I wanted to teach. My first stop in my quest to be a substitute
in Springfield was at Springfield Lutheran School. To me, this stop was the most logical because
of my experience in Lutheran Schools in California, Colorado, Minnesota, and
Missouri. I thought this born and raised
Minnesota girl could spread “Minnesota Nice” to the Springfield Lutheran
School. At SLS I had the pleasure of
meeting principal Mr. Paul Baker. We had a
delightful visit and I agreed to send him my contact information.
That was in
early August. By mid to late August I
had a few sub dates set up with SLS.
These dates were not all meant to be. After church services, Paul Baker mentioned to me several times that his
wife Jennifer needed some help at her office. He told me, “She runs a non-profit and could use some help. I should have her talk to you.” I said that would be fine. I would be open to talking to her about
helping her out.
Now, if you
know Paul Baker, you know that he can be persistent. If you know Jennifer Baker, you know that she
doesn’t like to be pushed into anything.
With Paul’s persuading, Jennifer and I spoke and sent up a
time to meet at the Good Dads office.
After talking with Jennifer for about an hour, I was hired as the newest
assistant at Good Dads!
I could end
here and be done. However, there is SO
much more to this story! I have worked
at Good Dads for 4 ½ months and I LOVE it!
I have learned so much about the needs of dads and kids. My own attitudes and opinions have changed as
I have gotten to know the dad we serve.
I realize the importance of training facilitators to help men be better
dads. I am excited to compile facilitator
manuals and participant binders for the dads.
I enjoy making phone calls to dads reminding them of an upcoming class
or checking in with them to see how things are going. I love hearing the stories when a dad gets to
see his child for the first time in a very long time. I enjoy getting teary-eyed when a dad
receives a Christmas gift from us. I
look forward to seeing what a difference love, kindness, and respect can make
in dad’s life.
I thought I would be doing the giving as a substitute teacher--I was wrong. I have received so much more than I could
possibly imagine. My co-workers, Janice
and Lisa, are a joy to work with each day.
The camaraderie we share is amazing. Working for Dr. Baker is such an exciting
opportunity. Her knowledge and insight
to the dilemma of fathers in today’s society is second to none. I am honored to working her. God has
placed me where He wants me to be. His
plan is most definitely the best plan.
Who knows, maybe someday I’ll go back to substitute teaching. But, for now, I’m right where I need to
be.
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