The Path Before Me

 Why am I here?  Literally, why am I in a leadership position during a pandemic?  What's happening in front of me that is screaming God put me here?

A little girl named Naomi.

I received a call shortly after I accepted the position at Charles that there was a family that needed to sit down and explain their daughter's story.  The story of a beautiful soul with an inoperable brain tumor entering kindergarten.  It was like God said here, you just lived it with your dad and I have your next assignment.  I sat across from an old orchestra friend from high school and his lovely wife.  I listened to their story so far and what could come.  I heard the fear but more importantly I saw the faith.  They outwardly sang God's praises and I knew why I was placed in that moment.  

Over that past five years, I have watched Nani grow into this confident 4th grader.  Together, we have tackled many scans, many learning difficulties from treatment, and anxieties.  This past week we talked about all the good.  The fact that she is on grade level in reading and she no longer has the anxieties she use to carry.  Like any 4th grader, she is coming into her own and finding her independence and her voice.  I saw the pride in her parents' eyes as they listened to the successful report her teacher gave.  At the end of that meeting, they shared her next scan was the following week and we would be updated as always.

The update brought news that stopped all our hearts for a split second, and then faith kicked in.  

I remember when dad would get scans.  The urgency to get to the appointment, the wait to get the results and then the follow up conversation.  The teams would meet and discuss next steps.  They would change treatments and give a new prognosis, none of which we felt was real.  We knew God had his timing and was working through him.   Dad reached many through his posts.  This time of year is difficult because this is when we knew, as a family, there was nothing else they could do.  He was fighting to see his last grandchild born and holding on for us. Our last Thanksgiving as a family was spent at my aunt Julie's without my mom and dad.  We all stopped by to visit but we all knew what we didn't want to say.  God was calling him home sooner rather than later.  

Let's jump to a training I had this week.  One that discussed my leadership style; the Reflective/Sympathetic Leader that understands relationships and the student is the heart of everything.  One that puts belief and faith in people and chooses to see the good.  One that may not like conflict but will restore and provide ways to influence those around through the trust that is built. Servant leadership at the core of everything.

Why am I here? The students.  The stories.  The love of building relationships during the hardest moments in life and showing love to those in those moments.  It's the pandemic of 2020 and we are all in those moments everyday.  This week I had to take a breath when I read Nani's update.  I was on my way to a meeting and I remember praying in my car at Starr just like I did when mom called me to update us on one of dad's scans.  This is the reason why I'm here; to support my kids that are fighting for more than just showing up.  They all have a story.  They all have the opportunity to feel loved and valued at school.  That is my why.  

Do I love protocols, timelines, schedules, high expectations, follow through, effective communication....of course.  All of those are encompassed in this leadership style, but that would require you to know me more than a blog post!  We all have our stories, take a listen and learn from one another, then spread the love! As for Nani's family, I am sending you my daily prayers and love as you move through the next few days and put your confidence in your team.  Together we will face the next steps and continue her love of life!

Just Love, 

Kirsten

*Shared with permission from Nani's parents.*

Thank you to Jan Frye for the great song share this week.   Everything happens in His time and this song had impeccable timing.