Today I had one of the greatest opportunities that any dad can have in life: witnessing one of my daughters in action at work. My day began at 0615 and I was able to do some telework before Brenna was awake. After we got ready (0715), I went with Brenna to get breakfast at Chick-Fil-A (0730). We ate together and then I dropped her off at school at around 0745. I then teleworked some more while I waited to be allowed in the school. Meanwhile, Brenna discovered that she’d forgotten her work laptop at home, so I went to go get it for her. When I returned, I went through a brief volunteer orientation and then helped Brenna set up breakfast for the kids. The students started arriving at around 0815 and I enjoyed watching Brenna at work. I learned that my daughter spends her days teaching a classroom full of Kindergarteners (19) and it was amazing to watch her hold their attention throughout the day. Each of them was full of energy and unbridled “personality” but she managed to show every one a special portion of love and attention. Their response to their teacher’s efforts was heart warming - I believe they think she hung the moon. After some intensive Teacher-Student time, the kids got a break for about an hour (for “Camp Wonder Day”) and I was able to telework some more. I then got to spend some more time with Brenna and her students (and help some of them) during math time (on ChromeBooks), letter/printing time and reading time. The kids were entertained by knowing I was their teacher’s dad. After taking the kids to the cafeteria for lunch, I got food for Brenna and myself and we sat outside to eat lunch. When we returned to the classroom, Brenna took the kids to art class and then to Recess. I must admit that it was nice to have the quiet classroom to myself a few times (whenever the kids went to other events)... During these breaks, I spent some more time teleworking but it was difficult to work normally. Before the day was over, I was able to participate in Brenna’s class activities again and, after the kids left for the day, I helped Brenna clean up her classroom. At 1600, I took her home to drop off all her school supplies and we then drove to Walmart to do the shopping I'd promised her. We bought a curtain for her big window, two twin sheet sets, extra pillow cases, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, towel rack, paper towel holder, tools, mini-waffle maker, command clips, frozen dinners and drain cleaner. Brenna told me she was glad that I insisted on getting these supplies because she'd been planning to decorate and clean since she first moved into her new apartment. Back at her place (1800), I hung up the curtain, fixed a few things in the bathroom, helped her move some items, set up the bed and linens and helped her with some deep cleaning. We talked a lot while working - great conversation! At Brenna's request, I opened up a bottle of champagne that she had been saving and we had a fun time celebrating her new job, apartment and life in Harrisonburg. We made tentative plans to go somewhere (outdoors, for fun) the next day and then Brenna went to bed at around 2200 (I soon followed). I am thoroughly impressed with the amount of her self that Brenna has given to be such a huge influence on each of the precious little students in her classroom. I don’t think I could never adequately describe how proud I was to spend time with Brenna today but I hope this post gives you some idea!
