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I never thought I'd be thankful for ...

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Nov 23, 2017

It's Thanksgiving today.
People across the United States are sharing meals, walks and stories, and giving thanks. However, there are times life takes us by surprise. Things happen unexpectedly and it is only upon reflection or retrospection that we can give thanks.

How would you complete this sentence?

I never thought I'd be thankful for _____________________.

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rachalanne Shelley | @rachelanne | Nov 22, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "I never thought I would be thankful for the traumas in my life, starting early-on through..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

I never thought I would be thankful for the traumas in my life, starting early-on through adulthood. The traumas, disappointments and difficulties have helped me to be a more compassionate person and most importantly have helped me to identify with others who have experienced traumas themselves.

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I never even thought their was an actual connection between my "former life " and my "newer, happier life!" However I definitely see the connection in how I understand and deal with others lives! I'm more attuned to acknowledge and accept my part in how I have dealt with my friendships and attitudes toward life! I also acknowledge that Gratitude for just being alive is extremely important! I'm finally receiving and appreciating how much I really mean to others ! Thank you for your great help and being such a person who knows how to change my personal perspective on everything, especially about being grateful for non-materialistic things versus taking my compassion and love and making a difference to those who are experiencing difficulties in their own lives! Empowering ourselves to become more aware of others, is a gift and I intend to strive towards forward and towards my goals!
Shelley Mintz

REPLY
rachalanne Shelley | @rachelanne | Nov 22, 2018
In reply to @parus "@retiredteacher How are doing with retirement? As I recall it was difficult. There seems to be..." + (show)
@parus

@retiredteacher How are doing with retirement? As I recall it was difficult. There seems to be a grieving process as we say farewell to many things.

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@retiredteacher,
Dear @parus I fully understand exactly how you feel and hope you can somehow think about how much you meant to your students who, were lucky enough and benefited from your teaching and your wisdom! I taught Young Children for at least 20 years; but I had a Stroke at age 40; so I am now seeking help in a class to work part time, but with the Elderly! I hope to Volunteer first under and with an activities director! I then hope to find a position where I can enjoy the rest of my life and give back to the Community , just in a different direction!
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday season with family and friends!
I also hope I gave you some help!
Shelley Mintz

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 22, 2018
In reply to @rachelanne "@retiredteacher, Dear @parus I fully understand exactly how you feel and hope you can somehow think..." + (show)
@rachelanne

@retiredteacher,
Dear @parus I fully understand exactly how you feel and hope you can somehow think about how much you meant to your students who, were lucky enough and benefited from your teaching and your wisdom! I taught Young Children for at least 20 years; but I had a Stroke at age 40; so I am now seeking help in a class to work part time, but with the Elderly! I hope to Volunteer first under and with an activities director! I then hope to find a position where I can enjoy the rest of my life and give back to the Community , just in a different direction!
I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday season with family and friends!
I also hope I gave you some help!
Shelley Mintz

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@rachelanne Shelley,

How wonderful that you found a way to volunteer!

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 23, 2018
In reply to @retiredteacher "I grieve every day and probably will until the day I die. Teaching was my world,..." + (show)
@retiredteacher

I grieve every day and probably will until the day I die. Teaching was my world, where I was always in control, always learning, always happy, always challenged. Besides my husband, it's all I ever wanted. My mother said I was born teaching, and I cannot think of any part of it that did not bring me joy. If I could, I would go back into the classroom tomorrow.
Carol
@retiredteacher
Volunteer Mentor

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@retiredteacher- Carol my heart is just heavy with sadness for you. Are there any places near you where you can teach, at least a little? Senior centers, guilds, substitute teach?

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1 reply
Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Nov 23, 2018
In reply to @merpreb "@retiredteacher- Carol my heart is just heavy with sadness for you. Are there any places near..." + (show)
@merpreb

@retiredteacher- Carol my heart is just heavy with sadness for you. Are there any places near you where you can teach, at least a little? Senior centers, guilds, substitute teach?

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Merry, @merpreb. Please do not concern yourself with me. My personal situation with my love of teaching is minor compared to people who have gone through difficult experiences in order to get well. I have wonderful memories of my career and thousands of students I taught. Occasionally, I hear from one of them via email and good times come flooding back. It is just that I can't let go. So, every day I have a moment when I recall something from one of the 42 years and enjoy remembering. Then there is a glint of grief, but I don't dwell on it 24/7, and I don't cry or get depressed. I am okay.
No. there is not a place I could teach again. I would not want to try to reconstruct the past. Now, I am working with this Mayo Volunteer Mentor group and find that interesting and rewarding.
Thanks for your concern, but don't be.
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 23, 2018

@retiredteacher- Carol, I'm ok with that.

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Retired Teacher | @retiredteacher | Nov 23, 2018

Merry, @merpreb. We're good, and I look forward to working with you as we lend an ear to people who need someone to listen and know we are giving support.
@retiredteacher, Carol
Volunteer Mentor

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