Worth While

So today was a long day at work. Making unexpected visits to families whose children I am working hard from getting dropped from the Head Start program. Talking to other families and telling them that their child is teasing other children and making them cry. Talking to families about why their child is crying and hates to come to school. Hurting for the child that is crying and wanting nothing more than to scoop her up in my arms and rock her until her hurt goes away. Hurting for the children I had to reprimand for making other children cry. Ignoring the dull pain in the back of my forehead that is promising me a full blown headache later tonight.

But when I walked in the door today after I came home from work I had a barrage of "Terri's home!" come at me from all sides of the house. That is enough to make you smile and forget about the worries of the day.

I love all of my boys (yes, I take claim to all of them whenever I get a chance. Who wouldn't be proud to say "these are my boys"?), Tony, Blare, Andrew, and David... of course I can't forget my baby girl - Berlin. I love the way they make me feel. I love the feeling of family; of belonging. I love the feeling of love and warmth I get from all of them. I love the joy and happiness that emits from Blare, David, and Andrew. I love the way Tony pulls me close to him after a long day away from each other. I love the way Berlin is always right there to jump up on me to give me a welcome home hug every time I walk in the door. I love the way she lets me know that I am the world to her and nothing in the universe can make her more happy than to see me and be loved by me.

I love it all.

This is what makes a long day at work all worth while.