Then I was walking with crutches, attempting to identify and heal the ankle pain that turned out to be gout. Every try teaching science on crutches? It doesn’t go well.

I was dealing with a student who would become the focal point of my blood, sweat, and tears. Let’s not go into details. Somewhere in the back of my mind I expect to hear he’s hurt someone, student or teacher, but I keep that part of my mind tightly closed. Well, I try.

Eventually, the stresses added up and multiplied, grew exponentially, expanded into infinity. My health took a major dive, and I finally, finally applied for a medical leave of absence.

And now? What a difference a year makes!

I’m still not full strength, but I can walk to work – less than a mile, but slightly more than half. The walk feels good.

Multi-vitamins and many, many iron-rich meals made a difference. No more anemia!

I’m starting a new job with the support of coworkers, an assigned mentor, and a principal who stops in frequently and supports me whenever there is a tough question. We had a field trip this week that (thanks to my talent in persuasive writing) brought in a sizable group of people.

Coworkers know about my hearing loss and do not consider it a problem. It’s simply a fact.

I’m tired, but a good tired.

But….

I’m still tired. Every night.

Bad dreams still wake me — often.

I have a bottle of Ambien, but I really, really don’t want to get into taking that nightly. Not again.

My workplace is full of cooperative and supportive people. We all want the best for each other. Still, I keep an awful lot of information under wraps. Only my principal knows about last year’s leave of absence. Once burned, twice cautious; it’s hard to trust again.

Deep breath. Much of this is out of my control. That’s okay. Repeat. That’s okay.

A year makes a big difference. Let go of the rest. I can do this.