::NOW I KNOW::

Battered, bruised, bloodied, and triumphant, I arise from My First Week of School:

I never knew my feet could hurt that much and still function.
I never knew I had so much patience.
I never knew I could love a kid in the span of 35 hours.
I never knew the responsibility of teaching would be so scary.
I never knew complimenting a kid on how quietly he's working could feel so good.
I never knew that the admiration of 22 nine- and ten-year-olds would be such a driving force.
I never knew a kid's drawing of a crowned, flaming heart could impress me so much.
I never knew meeting a kid's parent would feel so familiar.
I never knew such a feeling of support among my coworkers.
I never knew teachers worked so damn hard.
I never knew what it was like to know my true calling.