A Promise

(L to R) Me, Dad, Mimi
Photo Courtesy of Mama Claire

It seems that all the time people are making promises.  Many people say that promises are meant to be broken.  After all, promises are usually outrageous, unreasonable deals you make with your friends or family.  Or when a boy tells a girl, "I promise I will always love you." And the next week they're not even together and the boy has a new girl.  Sometimes a person has no choice to break off their promise, no matter how much they want it to happen.  Sometimes things are out of our control.  

In my life, there is one promise that I will never forget being told.  In April of 2007, I remember hearing my dad say he had a business trip around the same time as my birthday.  This meant that he would not be home to celebrate the big ninth birthday with me.

I remember saying, "Daddy, promise me you'll never miss my birthday.  Ever?"

He had promised to do the very best he could.  This is the one promise I will never, ever forget. 

Three months later he passed away unexpectedly.  He has missed six birthdays since.  Like I said, sometimes things are out of our control.  I don't blame him for anything, but I wish that he was here to see me get older.

My dad and me in 2007
Photo Courtesy of Mama Claire

I see my friends celebrating with their families, practicing sports with their dads, calling them to say hi.  Inside, my soul is crying and my mind is racing with all of the reasons why I was given this challenge.  I don't forget promises.  I don't say the past should be forgotten for it will always be apart of me.  I don't ever give up.  What's the point in stopping at an obstacle when there is always a way around it?  My friend once said, "God needed a few good men up there and that is why he chose your dad."  I know he's up there watching me, and I will do everything in my power to make him proud. 

Dad, every time I go on a run, I hear you next to me telling to keep on going.  I feel our feet moving in sync and flying through the wind as one.  This year Running with Ed just so happens to be on May 18th.  Your birthday 49th birthday.  I promise to run with my whole heart and soul, and I know you'll be there with me as a run a total of 10 miles through Park City.  It is my way of telling the world, and you, that no matter what I am faced with, pain, sadness, injury, I will come out even better than before.  

Daddy, even if you can't keep your promise to be here for my birthday, I promise to always be here for yours.  See you there.

With love, 

Claire 

In Loving Memory of Jeff Breiholz

May 18, 1964-July 20, 2007

"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true."

To Inspire

inspire |inˈspīr|

verb [ with obj. ]

1 fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative: [ with obj. and infinitive ] : his passion for romantic literature inspired him to begin writing.

• create (a feeling, esp. a positive one) in a person: their past record does not inspire confidence.

(definition courtesy of Apple Dictionary)

Inspiration can come from many different places.  Every single day we are surrounded by incredible people who do amazing things.  My friend, Livi, has a blog all about the little things that motivate her.   After reading a few of her posts, I realized that even the smallest things can really change how a person operates.

You're probably wondering why I am writing about inspiration.  The reason is that in order to be remember by anyone, you have to inspire.  This relates to being a babysitter because you will get NOWHERE if you aren't liked/admired by parents and children.  I want to be the babysitter that the kids remember having fun with and enjoying their time.  

Below is a list of things that inspire/motive me (not all of the things, and certainly not in order):

Marta, Emma, Me, Samantha
Photo Courtesy of Claire

1. My friends 
2. "The Hunger Games"
3. My teachers
4. The song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
5. My lacrosse coaches
6. The Biggest Loser (tv show)

Also, you're probably thinking I am a weirdo with that list... Especially with "The Hunger Games."  The reason it's included is because Katniss pushes aside every obstacle and makes her situation work.  I want to be like that, and I want to inspire people like she has.  

Overall, inspiration can be found anywhere, and I personally want to be someone who can inspire others.  The main reason I want to be a teacher is to make a difference in lives. In my case, I remember every teacher I've had because of all the things they taught me to do.  Each of them inspired me to want to be a great person.  The little things are the ones that we remember, and I have great memories of my teachers teaching me about life and school.

So, next time you're about to do something, little or big, remember that you have to power to make a difference.  

A Teacher in Training

This week, I wanted to write a post about my dream/hope for my future.

Not a day goes by that I don't want to be a teacher.  Ever since childhood, I've wanted to be in the field of education.  I guess you could say it runs in the family as my grammie, my uncle, and my mom are all teachers.  I appreciate my personal teachers because they put so much work into their jobs.  Not only is it one of the most rewarding jobs, but it requires so much energy and love.

A common remark I get when expressing this is that I won't make any money.  To me, this is so stupid to say.  I don't care about money as much as I care about making a difference.  With this being said, I do think that teachers are extremely underpaid for all of the work they do.  After all, they're the ones who supply the workforce with knowledgeable, well-rounded, hard-working workers.  Money may make some people happy, but it is not what makes my world go round.

On another note, I am so lucky to know Kathy Anderson.  She is the Park City School District Preschool Coordinator and also teaches three year old preschool at McPolin Elementary.  In eighth grade, I was able to be her "TA" (teacher aid).  I spent 130 minutes on every white day in her classroom, and I would eat lunch during their snack; it was the best time I can remember.  

It was practically project based learning because I was able to have a look on what it's like to be a real teacher.  Kathy taught me so much about patience, differentiating, and most importantly love.  She loves her job so much, and it's so obvious because the kids adore her.  During my elementary years, I had Kathy as a reading teacher and to this day I remember how much fun it was.

McPolin 3 yr. old class '11-'12
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Anderson

Myself and "L" during recess
Photo Courtesy of Kathy Anderson

As you can see above, I LOVE these children.  I invested my whole heart in their wellbeing and understanding of the lessons, games, etc.  This led me to take online PE this year so I could have an open period...  You can already guess what I did with that; TA for Kathy!!  Unfortunately, I am there for fifteen minutes of the morning class and twenty-five minutes with the afternoon.  Yet, I have decided to look on the bright side and remember how much I want this to be my future job.

Overall, I cannot wait until the day that I can make a difference in the lives of children.  What more is there to life?