Today was our opening faculty meeting, although many of us have already been to school several times, organizing our rooms, making new things, and getting ready for the Tuesday arrival of students. I have been to my classroom many times in the last few weeks, but have not seen many teacher friends. I spent many hours getting it just the way I like it for my new crop of eighth graders. I work on the third floor, so not many besides my penthouse team friends trek up that far.
This morning I arrived early because mostly what I have left to do involves a huge time commitment with the copier as I ready materials for the first few weeks for my math classes, and things to get my homeroom rolling. The hallway was a bit dark and I was walking to where the majority was congregated carrying my box of copies. “Who is that?” I heard one say as I turned around to see who was behind me, but no one was. Then I realized, the teacher meant me.
What a difference from a year ago…. Impossible to even imagine how I got here! There I was, sad, hurting, searching for answers… Here I am today, happy, energetic, living a great life! All thanks to one doctor, who had all the answers I needed.
I chuckled to myself as she asked, “Is that Chris?” because I don’t think I look very different than before summer but I realize that I must look a little different. People were very nice, using descriptive words like “small,” and “tiny.” I laughed because I am neither but I guess comparatively to last year? Everyone complimented my success so far, and loved my new, short and sassy haircut that goes with my evolving new personality. Dr. Jack has helped me get rid of over a hundred pounds and more importantly, all the baggage that goes with it. I look better and feel amazing. My Hashimoto’s is nonexistent. And although I am essentially the same person I have always been? It’s kind of like I am a new and improved version. It’s easy to have the energy to be silly, and fun, to have energy and a clear thought process. The short and sassy hair says it all, and that goes with the huge smile I can’t hide from anyone!
Gone are the long sides of hair that I hoped would slim my face. Gone are the barrettes, the clips, and the signature bows, meant to pull attention elsewhere while keeping hair out of my face, and the post type conservative earrings, replaced with my new cute hoop earrings, and dangly new ones I never wore, experiments in if they go with the new me!
Someone even commented on a new bracelet I had on that never would have fit my large wrist. It’s one that is made of straps and bangles and woven pieces that I never would have looked at before. It has charms that say “love” and “believe,” so I remember to love myself and believe in me! I put the picture at the top of my blog. I bought a few, one for autism awareness, one for angels because I have found some of those, and that one.
Everyone was so sweet. But the best part was when our new principal asked us to introduce ourselves by telling one thing everyone knows about us and one thing they might not know, I happily introduced myself and mentioned how everyone knew about my weight loss, but they might not know I started my own blog to help people who are struggling and might not really see that there is hope for them. Well guess what!? Everyone clapped!! And that made me feel really great!
When I came home, I looked in the mirror, and I smiled. “Hi, I am Chris O’Connell, and I don’t think we have met.” She smiled back and I thought, “Wow! I already like this person! It’s going to be fun getting to know her!”