Today I opened an email. The message really wasn’t relevant to me, but I read it anyway. The contents exposed that my department at UNCC is hosting a candidate search for a potential assistant professor of urban education. Out of curiosity, I downloaded the attached vita for one potential candidate. Her accomplishments and degrees were certainly impressive. As I was reading, I couldn’t help thinking… that could have been me. Oh my goodness. THAT could have been me. And I sighed. With relief.
For what I realize is that I am content with my life as is. No… not content… happy. There was a time when I wanted to advance in my field. To be a full professor. To research and teach and write. And as the years went by and our family grew, those dreams began to fade. And now? They’re really not there anymore. And that’s OK with me.
Each day I am thankful for my life’s work.
And one day, when my little ones are not so little anymore, maybe then I will find another dream to chase.
[Me: "Open your mouth, Liam"]
Postscript: I should add that I am thankful for my husband who would gladly trade places with me so that he could be a stay-at-home dad.
Posted on January 6th, 2011 by tonya
Filed under: Liam Christopher, Mothering
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