See You Later My Friend

 Today, we said our good-byes (for now) to a  wonderful pharmacist, friend, mentor, and one of my heroes. Jerry Rogers (Jerry's Discount Pharmacy) was like family to me, as are his wife and children. Going in the pharmacy was like dropping in a relative's home. You were greeted from the minute you stepped in the front door, treated like family, taken care of by the best, and then bidden farewell when you left. It will never be the same. I've known Jerry so long, I really can't pinpoint when I met him. He was my boss when I was in college. I loved every minute of working in the pharmacy. Not only did I meet my now good friend, Lynne Raney Harris, but I worked with some great people. Paula Elkins was like my "go-to" at the front counter. Todd Entrekin (former Etowah County Sheriff) was the delivery boy. There were many other employees and loyal customers who made every day a joy. There were days when Jerry made me cry over silly things. His precious wife, Polly, would always step in and put an end to his teasing. All in all, he was the very best boss I have ever worked for. He treated his employees well (with a little teasing) and defended us to the bitter end. I will miss him coming out front for a hug when I get my meds refilled. For now, Jerry, I will say good-bye, but I will see you again. Find my Daddy and tell him I miss him but I am well. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 Recently (I am way behind posting), the oldest twin "graduated" from physical therapy. So on the way home, we stopped at Publix and bought some sprinkle cookies to celebrate. When we arrived at home, I showed the cookies to twin #2 and said, "Sissy doesn't have to go back to physical therapy!! So I bought y'all some cookies to celebrate after supper". She clapped her hands and smiled and said "Happy Birthday!" which she repeated at least 100 times during the evening. Their little perspectives are so simple and sweet. It's funny how we longed to grow up, but as we age, we long for the simple and sweet. I hope you find your simple and sweet today. God Bless

I am Lovie

 I am 17.5 months into this grandmother thing. Most days I feel like I am losing the battle. Some days I feel quite accomplished (those are few are far between). Our daughter blessed us with twin girls and our lives changed forever in just a few short minutes. Life as we knew it will never be the same. Once again, our home has babies. And while that is precious, we all know what comes with babies.....STUFF. Our house has taken on a thrift-store-on-crack motif. Now it has never been immaculate, because I am no Suzy Homemaker (IYKYK). There are playpens (yes, plural), high chairs to be tripped over, boxes and bags of clothes that they have outgrown, toys, toys, and more toys.....our girls are blessed. Every room in our home is representative of the fact that babies live there. Although, I am sick of the mess, I know that this too shall pass (and I'll miss it). 

A little about me.....I am retiring in June. I am in my 43rd year as an educator. I taught pre-school and served as daycare director in a private school. I worked and lived 9 months to the day in a small south Alabama town (enough material for another blog). I came home and began my career in a "neighborhood" school where I taught Kindergarten for 10 years. I earned my school library certificate, and soon moved to another elementary school across the county where I worked 8 (long) years. That job alone has enough material for a best selling novel about abuse and survival (mine). Proration came along and I was transferred without my permission, but saw it as God's grace. My new school was a middle school in yet another part of town where I fell in love with the school, the community, the faculty, and my crazy hormonal students. Middle school was my niche for 14 years until Barney Fife became our new principal. He single-handedly destroyed my faith in my job. He was a lot like the principal I had in South Alabama, except that fellow was obviously a gay man portraying the life of a straight man. He was prissy to say the least and married a drill sergeant. He even directed the choir at the First Baptist Church there. I think he was finally found out after I left (was asked to resign, and gladly I did). The middle school guy was a huge control freak with a lisp who thought he was the sharpest tool in the drawer and had an answer for everything....until he met me. I took none of his nonsense. They both HATED ME! Thankfully, I asked for a received a transfer to the high school I have been here 10 wonderful years and actually hate the thoughts of retiring. Teaching is my life; it's all I know, it's what I do, it's who I am. 

Follow me on this journey of being a first time grandmother. There will be enough nonsense to entertain the masses. Just a note-I will not reveal family members names (especially the girls). Their mother has a strict rule about that. I will simply refer to them by their sonogram names, Baby A and Baby B. 

***This blog post was started in March 2025 and I completed it today. Get used to it, I have ADHD.