My plan for the future

Here’s the thing, my health is failing. Again. When I applied at Lafayette School Corporation, my health was great. My doctor encouraged me to get a job. And so I did. I love what I do. It’s a perfect fit for me. There is a great balance between working with students and also doing clerical work. It’s pretty amazing. The only thing I don’t like is the work place bullying. A lot of the grown women treat me as though I am incompetent. When, in reality, I do twice as much as them. To see women old enough to be my mom treat another human being the way they treat me, it’s a huge disappointment. My mindset turned from victim to overachiever. I bust my rear. I do anything and everything asked of me. And I refused to let the bullies win.

I wrote a blog recently about my health. It is, of course, not good. It started not too long after I started working. My husband has been very supportive and told me that he doesn’t expect me to work. My health comes first. And everything will eventually fall into place.

Last night I was in the hospital AGAIN with aspiration pneumonia. Which means that while I’m asleep, fluids from my “stomach” are coming up through my esophagus and going into my lung. That is what is causing the pneumonia. They gave me IV antibiotics and two oral antibiotics to take at home. In addition to that, I was prescribed some pain meds as pneumonia wreaks havoc on my body. The pain can sometimes be unbearable. It is the reason I will never understand those who purposely make themselves sick for attention.

Back to the work issues. I’ve always refused to let those women win. But after last night and having to miss so many days because of what has been going on, I came to the realization that it isn’t fair to anyone, whether they like me or not, to continue to miss work placing more responsibilities on others. And that alone may be the reason they have problems with me. They need someone reliable. And I can’t give them that at this moment. My health has to come first. So I put in my notice. My last day will be the last day prior to the start of winter break.

I am sad because I will miss the students. I will miss the work. I will miss proving people wrong. But none of that matters if I’m not healthy. These kids deserve someone who can be there for them every day. And that, unfortunately, is not something I can provide at this time.

So, with a heavy heart but a hopeful spirit, I will leave this incredible opportunity to seek health. I know that is what I need to do right now. And that’s why I am doing just that.

I appreciate prayers, positive thoughts, positive vibes, and anything you can throw my way to help get me through this tough time.

Lots of love!

Jess