Springing into Change

Spring brings changes....the days (thankfully) grow longer and eventually warmer. Of course, in Illinois it can be swimsuit weather one day and snow boots weather the next. My husband put up the birdhouse on a sturdier pole and a sparrow family moved right in. I've joked that since the birdhouse is made of barn wood, the sparrows have the aviary equivalent of the Taj Mahal. And of course, it's a joy seeing the earth reawaken again, with tulips, daffodils and crocuses breaking out into the world, if for only a brief time. Even the prairie smoke plant has survived the winter and will soon be blowing in the wind, reminiscent of its name.

But some changes are more difficult. At work, many colleagues received "RIF" (reduction in force) notices. I hope I see them next year, but there's no guarantee they'll be back at my school or the district at all. The superintendent cited "change" as the major reason for this upheaval. The inner city children of our school don't really need this kind of change--many have had enough adults walk out of their lives already.

Staying home during spring break was a good change, although at times I felt less than ambitious and at other times even rather lonely. But I've had my feathered and furry friends to keep me company. Cats are especially notorious for disliking change, although they enjoy having me back home. What they won't like is my return to school. I can't say I'm fond of returning this year, either. I love our students, but I've had personnel issues all year.... And there's the RIF situation....and there's the receptionist desk where Carol used to sit and never will again.