It's the first official day in my beautiful new school. My first day in this new home. The students are scheduled to come in one at a time to meet with me for DRA testing. Time to be "on" for that all important first impression. Unfortunately, my body had different plans. I woke early with that terrible familiar feeling. I couldn't get a breath. I did nebulizer treatments, inhalers, and took extra prednisone. I tried it all and was not responding like I should. I know the routine. I know my body. I knew this wouldn't just go away so I could work with 25 students one-on-one today. I was going to need to reach out for help, for a favor from people I barely knew. I was going to have to reveal my weaknesses before these new colleagues even had a chance to see my strengths.
It was beyond hiding. I was struggling. It was time to open up in my new home. It was time to put my new school family to the test of me. I've been through it with so many people. It's amazing how I can see the future of a relationship in their eyes as soon as I start to open up and share tidbits of my story. Some people disengage immediately. They begin to view me as a health concern rather than a person. Others, those who I see as true champions in this world, are sincere, understanding, and most importantly - never lose sight of Me. My new family at Lone Tree seems to fit the latter. They seem to be willing to accept my body and they seem to believe in me.
I had to leave early today and go to National Jewish for help. My duties were covered with love and I felt accepted. It was a good feeling. I am so thankful for this new home.
