It’s the last Thankful Thursday post of 2016! If I were a “real” blogger I’d go through old posts, pull old pictures, and re-cap all the things from 2016 I’m thankful for. But, while I really do blog, I also really do live a real life, and I’m choosing to spend my blogging time enjoying being off school with Sky for Winter Break.

In thinking back over the last year there is a lot to be thankful for! The one thing I’m going to be thankful for today though, is appreciating how a passing comment from a, for the most part stranger, has changed my life this year.

Back, early in the summer, one of the other swim moms mentioned she was considering becoming a para educator, her aunt was one with the district, and the schedule would match her sons school schedule. (Her son is also a Kindergartner at Sky’s school). And, the rest is history, as they say.

It got me to thinking that maybe I should look into para educator for myself, and see how realistic it would be. I can’t say I had a burning passion to be a para educator, but I did have a burning passion to be home when Sky was home, and not deal with before/after school childcare.

I really had no idea I’d love it so much. I love going to work every day, I really do. I love the challenges, mostly because when those challenges are met, and dealt with, I can see first hand how it impacts the kiddos. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone, and study/take a test I was not confident I could pass (the Para Pro test), which I did…go me! 🙂 And, the job has changed over the weeks, and is keeping me on my toes, and teaching me new things every day.

In a perfect twist of fate, that swim moms aunt is a para educator at the school I’ve been working at, and I adore her so much! She’s been wonderful to work with, and offered advice and guidance when needed.

So today I’m thankful for a seemingly “innocent” conversation with a for the most part stranger. It’s taken me down a path I didn’t anticipate, but am enjoying! And, the best part is I get to be home with my favorite 5 year old ever!