Impactful Middle School Club

 Another story based on details from a dream...

    Amidst the whispers of the midnight wind, young Amy found herself enveloped in a dream, a vivid journey that left a lasting mark on her psyche. The dream began in the hallways of a middle school, where the echoes of laughter and the cruel taunts of bullies ricocheted off the walls. Amy, a spirited student, couldn't stand to see her peers suffer. Driven by a fierce determination to instill self-confidence in those around her and put an end to the bullying, she teamed up with a group of shy, nerdy boys to form a club. They aimed to empower their fellow students, the misfits and the insecure, creating a safe space free from harassment and judgment.

    On the final day of school, just as the sun began its descent, the club, freshly promoted through an enthusiastic advertisement, garnered the interest of many students for the following year. One particular girl and her mother stopped by to inquire about the club. However, their conversation took an unexpected turn when the topic of religion emerged. Amy assured them that the club wouldn't delve into religious or political discussions, determined to keep the focus solely on building self-esteem and resilience.

    In the aftermath of the day's events, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Amy found herself tidying up the group room. Her companions, the timid boys she had worked closely with, had left the room in a disarray. As she painstakingly cleaned, it became apparent that her reluctance to leave was more than just a desire for tidiness. A friend, clad in a black hoodie, approached her, prompting a surge of fear within Amy. Gripping a butter knife, she prepared to defend herself, only to be halted by her friend's revelation about undergoing surgery.

    In the wake of this unsettling encounter, Amy returned the next day, determined to complete the room cleanup. Despite her assertions that her motive was preparing the space for the next group of students, she couldn't shake the feeling that it was more about her reluctance to let go of the memories and bonds formed within those walls.

    A conversation with their teacher sponsor shed light on the impact Amy had made on the lives of those around her. In turn, she reflected on the profound influence her peers had on her own journey, each one leaving an indelible mark on her soul. As she made her way to leave, a discussion regarding a former teacher's promotion to principal surfaced, prompting hazy recollections of her time as a student. Strangely, she couldn't discern if the teacher in question had taught her or Matthew, a puzzling lapse in her memory.

    In a sudden shift, the dream catapulted Amy into adulthood, where she found herself grappling with the desire to return to the teaching profession. However, the demands of her current job held her back, despite her passion for education. Yet, she vowed to continue subbing, determined to keep her love for teaching alive. A chance encounter with a fellow teacher revealed the prospect of a summer job at Woolridge, offering a glimmer of hope for her aspirations.

    As the dream neared its end, Amy, lost in contemplation, made her way to her car, mulling over the profound experiences of the day and their significance. With each step, she felt the weight of the dream's lessons settling within her, a subtle reminder of the impact of human connections and the undying spirit of compassion and resilience.

Resort Revelry and Reservations

 A story based on a dream I had...

In the heart of a picturesque resort nestled amid lush greenery and glistening waters, a dream unfolded, entwining the mystique of a vibrant concert, the shadows of a forgotten floor, and the drama of two dueling graduations.

It was a summer evening, the kind that invites laughter and echoes of music to dance across the star-studded sky. Guests at the resort gathered at the sprawling outdoor venue, drawn in by the promise of two sensational concerts. The first performance, an electrifying spectacle, had the crowd swaying and cheering in unison. But as the curtain fell and anticipation mounted for the second act, whispers began to spread like wildfire through the vibrant throng. The expected headliner had been replaced without warning, prompting a stream of disgruntled attendees to drift away, disenchanted by the sudden switch.

Amidst this commotion, a different drama simmered within the resort's opulent interiors. A solemn graduation ceremony was underway, one that diverged from the resort's established protocols. A select group of individuals, united by their shared experiences of bullying and adversity, had defiantly arranged their own formal celebration, determined to reclaim their dignity in the face of unyielding adversity. Their rebellion echoed through the halls, a poignant tale of resilience in the face of oppression.

Unbeknownst to many, the resort's second floor harbored an eerie secret, one veiled in silence and neglect. It had long been dismissed as a desolate space, forsaken by guests and staff alike, shrouded in a veil of mystery that whispered of an untold past. However, unbeknownst to the unsuspecting guests, one dedicated employee tirelessly tended to this neglected realm, preserving its enigmatic tranquility and maintaining its clandestine allure. This enigmatic guardian of the second floor moved silently, ensuring the preservation of its enigmatic allure, guarding the resort's secret with unwavering devotion.

As the night unfolded, a curious revelation emerged. Among the guests who stayed in the same rooms on each floor, a peculiar belief had taken root, one that presumed these rooms were reserved exclusively for those deemed beautiful. Laughter rippled through the corridors when it was discovered that these supposedly exclusive quarters were, in fact, a cleverly disguised photography booth, a whimsical realization that dissolved the illusion of exclusivity and ushered in a playful camaraderie among the guests.

The resort's connection to the adjoining shopping center unveiled a stark contrast between the promise of grandeur and the muted reality of scaled-down facades. What had been touted as a shopper's paradise brimming with an array of glamorous boutiques and upscale emporiums revealed itself to be a mere illusion, with diminutive shop fronts masking the true extent of the promised shopping extravaganza. Disappointment lingered like a faint echo, trailing the footsteps of disheartened patrons as they departed the mall, their expectations deflated by the contrast of ostentatious marketing and stark reality.

Amidst the subdued ambiance of the neglected second floor, a trio of guests found solace in revelry, their boisterous laughter and exuberant music echoing through the hushed corridors. Unbeknownst to them, their merry escapade would not go unnoticed. A shadowy figure, a higher-up within the resort's management, descended to the second floor, lured by the unusual commotion that disrupted the usual stillness. Upon witnessing the joyous revelry, the figure shared a clandestine revelation, exposing the resort's clandestine financial maneuvers, a revelation that cast a disquieting shadow over the establishment's pristine facade.

Amidst the revelry and unexpected revelations, the night unfolded into a flurry of festivities and merrymaking. Guests reveled in the inexplicable allure of the forsaken second floor, indulging in carefree abandon as the night stretched on. It was a night infused with laughter and camaraderie, a vibrant tapestry of shared moments woven together by the unlikeliest of circumstances.

As dawn broke over the resort, the intoxicating euphoria of the previous night faded into the background, replaced by the stirrings of a new day and the promise of a momentous occasion. The long-awaited graduation day had finally arrived, casting a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation throughout the resort's sprawling premises. The air crackled with anticipation as preparations for the grand event reached a crescendo, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of achievement and perseverance.

Amidst the whirlwind of activity, one guest found herself grappling with a wave of conflicting emotions. Amidst the bustling energy of the graduation preparations, she realized with a pang that she had yet to inform a dear friend, Georgia, about the alternative graduation ceremony that was set to commence. Determined to find her amidst the flurry of activity, she embarked on a quest that led her through the labyrinthine corridors of the resort.

As she navigated the intricate web of hallways and hidden passages, a series of unexpected encounters punctuated her search. From the enigmatic Elaine, who grappled with the ramifications of a misplaced car, to the elusive Karen Snead, whose souvenir T-shirt remained tantalizingly out of reach, each interaction added a layer of complexity to her journey, weaving a tapestry of interconnected narratives that mirrored the complexities of human connection and resilience.

Amidst the chaotic rush, she eventually chanced upon Georgia, only to be confronted with a startling revelation. Her friend's whispered confession unveiled a tumultuous narrative of control and secrecy, casting a shadow over the impending celebrations. Braving the tumult of emotions that threatened to engulf her, she made her way back to the graduation venue, where the festivities were already underway, vibrant and pulsating with life.

Her heart heavy with the weight of unresolved emotions, she found solace in the electric atmosphere that enveloped the grand celebration. Amidst the jubilant cheers and heartfelt speeches, she spotted Georgia, her presence a beacon of hope amidst the swirling uncertainties. In that fleeting moment, amidst the joy and revelry, she realized that the true essence of their journey lay not in the tumultuous twists and turns, but in the enduring strength of their shared bonds and unwavering resilience. As the celebrations reached their zenith, she found herself swept up in the joyous revelry, her heart buoyed by the knowledge that amidst life's tumultuous journey, true friendship and unwavering solidarity would always prevail.

Untangled

Ok I know God speaks to me in interesting ways but this has to be a new one.  I was downstairs cleaning up closets and supplies and found a mess of fishing nets and fake seaweed.  They were all tangled up and knotted together.  I probably spend almost an hour detangling.  I was doing this God began to speak to my heart.  How many times do I let little things like this fake seaweed tangle me up, get me all knotted up and tied up with stuff that I can't be what God designed me to be.  If I would just put those "hangups" aside and let Him be in control of me I could be used as He designed me.  When those fishing nets were all tangled up they couldn't be used to their design or potential, but once I got them all untangled now they could be used for what they were designed.  Like I said God speaks to me in interesting ways - I am just glad I was untangled this morning so I could hear what He had to say.

Thank You God!

I heard this phrase a lot during VBS this year, but sometimes I still forget to be thankful for all God does for me.  I was the typical (ok maybe a little more than typical) worried parent about her child starting middle school.  Many know about the struggles that Matthew has in social settings, and how much more social can a setting be than middle school.  We had struggled with where Matthew would go to school.  We prayed and prayed and prayed and felt very peaceful with TCMS.  We knew that our waiver request, based on my work location so babysitting fees would not be needed, could be denied but we felt peaceful about the decision.  We were told it could take weeks, maybe even months, to hear the decision from our waiver request - BUT 2 weeks after the request we were approved.  (And as John just reminded me had God not opened a door for my current job this waiver would not have even been an option.)  Then we attended Timberwolves camp where Matthew learned all about the school and lockers and even got the award for opening 2 lockers in less than 90 seconds.  God has not only provided a good school - it has to be the best school ever for him.  Teachers are amazing as well as principal and the resource officer and well darn it everyone.  God has provided even small things that we never would have thought of.  He gave Matthew an end locker so that he has a little more space, English and Math class for blocks 1 & 2 so that his days start off the same each day, small class sizes, a social skills class that we didn't even know about and teachers that know understand Matthew and his challenges.  God knows so much more than me, He knows what I need even when I don't know what I need (or what Matthew needs).  Thank You God!

Blogging? Really me?

A beautiful house but not our home :)

Ok so I really don't have a lot of extra time on my hands but sometimes I just want to note a few things in my life.  With friends that blog (and I find theirs interesting), I thought I would give it a try.  

Matthew and I had a mom and son day today.  It was wonderful!  I have to say some days I miss the soccer or footballs games that he played in BUT how much enjoyable Saturdays are when we don't have to live by someone else's schedule.  Anyway, I took him to see The Smurfs movie - it was really cute and we both liked it.  One thing that was said in there that really impressed me - they were discussing getting a bigger apartment with the new baby on the way and they decided against it because a bigger place would just mean we are further apart.  WOW!  Living on a very tight budget like we do (people would never believe me unless I showed our tax statements LOL) keeping up with everyone else is not even an option.  Sometimes the world really gets in my head and I want a bigger house, or a master bed and bath, or even new carpet but even though all those things are good, they don't make a home.  I love it when God speaks to me even if it is through some little blue creatures.