The Phone Call

Whenever the Caller ID comes up "Public Schools", my heart starts racing just a bit. I start thinking "why?". My mind starts asking "What's wrong"? Who knows why I get a little worked up. Although I have had an occasional call of from the kiddos saying, "Mom, you forget to put my lunch in my backpack", or "I forgot my glasses", I have never gotten a call from the school for disciplinary purposes. I've never received the "so and so doesn't feel well...can you come pick her up?" call. Nor the "we need to meet sometime" call. But, I still get a little nervous when a call comes from the school, especially when it's after hours.

Yesterday, a little before 4:30 p.m., a "Public Schools" call came in. I picked up the phone, said "hello" and waited...

"Hi. Is this Mrs. Ashby?"

"Yes, it is."

"This is Ms. Johnson, Brooklyn's teacher."

"Hello, how are you?"

"Fine. Thank You. I just wanted to let you know...(oh no! HERE IT COMES)...that Brooklyn was such a big help today in class, and I really appreciated it." (SIGH OF RELIEF)

"Oh Good!" I said exuberantly. "I'm so GLAD!" (that she's not getting into trouble)

"I needed a lot of help today, and she was so willing to do it. She was such a great help."

"I'm so glad. She is naturally that way, and I'm grateful she's using her talents."

"She is a lot of fun to have in class, and she's a great student. I just wanted to make sure she was recognized for her great efforts today."

"Thank you. I really appreciate the call. And we appreciate you. Brooklyn is enjoying school and enjoying you as her teacher. You're doing a great job."

"Oh, well thank you. I'm trying."

"Keep up the good work and thanks again for the call."

"Bye."

"Good-bye"

Wow! I was beaming after the phone call. Brooklyn wasn't around for me to praise right then, so I just smiled. (I praised her later after she got home.) She really is a good kid and I'm fortunate that I haven't had calls from the school for those other reasons. I'm glad that she's doing her part to be a good citizen of her class and school, and that she is ready and willing to play an active role. I'm proud of her. I realize at times like this that maybe I am doing something right. My kids just might turn out o.k., despite all the "craziness".

I re-discovered a quote today that got me thinking:

"There is no way to be a perfect mother...
but a million ways to be a good one."

I'm glad that I've got a million ways to get it right. My chances just got better!

My Brooklyn - the one who makes me look like I know what I'm doing