It’s May and I am hoping the saying it true that April showers bring May flowers. This was evident last night as my husband and I attended the CASA Kendall County annual gala to support their organization just after a storm rolled in. It was a remarkable event that was well organized by the committee.
Entering the venue, the valet welcomed us at the event. As we walked in, we walked the red carpet while being shown to our table. There were several photo opportunities along with welcome gifts and an assortment of desserts. The evening was just perfect. Kris and I were grateful that we were able to attend this evening with friends.
Tomorrow Kris and I will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe that it will be 24 years in just 24 hours. Marriage is a life-long commitment between two people where we stop just thinking about ourselves and begin to become selfless.
Four years ago, we decided to have a 20th wedding anniversary as we were not sure how many more years we would have with friends and family. We were glad that we chose to celebrate this way.
It took my husband and I eleven years to have Jakob after eight IUI and six IVF treatments. Many are able to have kids easily and some are surprised to find out about a pregnancy. However, we were not so lucky as this caused a lot of stress on our lives with medical treatments, surgeries, medications, and one empty hope after another. In September of 2008, we learned that one of the IVF’s finally worked and that I was pregnant. Unfortunately, it was short lived as I lost the baby within eight weeks.
After this, we thought we lost all hope. This tested our marriage and our commitment to each other. But we were strong. We had our faith and in February 2009, we had one last chance. Nine months later our son was born. Not many couples understand the difficulty of having a child or trying to conceive. This is why our son’s health, safety, and wellness is more important to us than most people know.
As an educator, I do teach my students the skills that are needed to be successful. But as a parent, I make sure that our son understands right from wrong and truth from lies. However, I cannot be with him for seven hours a day for 180 days out of the year. During this time, he is at school learning the skills needed to be successful.
Recently, there have been changes in education that is concerning to parents regarding education and safety of the students.
We all have an imagination. In no way am I saying to take that away. One’s imagination is what keeps many of us going. It provides a stimulant to spark new ideas. When my son was three years old, he told me he wanted to be a transformer (like the ones that change from robot to vehicle). At least twice a week, he would run around the house and transform from one robot to another. His imagination carried on throughout his years to become more creative.
However, the “furries” have taken it to a new level where they are threatening students in different ways where several students have admitted that they do not feel safe in the school. This goes beyond one’s imagination. This past weekend there were a few who began to attack those of us who spoke out about this. It’s not just about wearing cat ears to school; it’s about how students are afraid to go back to school because other students are verbally attacking them.
It's time we act on making sure school policy prohibits this nonsense of self-identification of an animal. Students can express their views in other ways such as drawings, theater, singing, and cosplay outside of the school. I am sure there are clubs for this where students can express themselves in a creative manner.
Our school system is declining by the day. I have been in education for over 20 years. Everything that has happened in the last two years and continues to see happening destroys me on the inside. Teachers are leaving before retirement because they do not get the support or fear for their own safety.
It’s time to Restore Education in Illinois.
Donate / Volunteer at: www.KoppersforROE24.com
Best,
Kristen Koppers, M.A., Ed.