Yesterday I mentioned I’ve been sick. Quite sick really. So sick it forced me to take two whole days off of work.

I know, two days shouldn’t be that big a deal.

But I feel an amazing responsibility to be at my job. I’m a teacher, and if I’m not there, the curriculum doesn’t move forward, concepts aren’t learned, rhythm is broken. I teach high level classes, there aren’t people around who can just step in and teach it. And there are standards I have to meet by the end of the year.

Part of it is, if I’m being honest, I just like to know I’m needed. There aren’t that many people who can do what I do.

This week though, I had to step back. I was forced to take days for myself, and not push myself to get back ASAP. And while I didn’t feel 100% upon my return, I was 85%. I was healthy enough again that I wasn’t mad I had to go back. I had taken the time for me necessary to be ready to go back.

That is what I am thankful for today. The fact that I could take the pause, take care of myself, and get healthy again. The fact that my students at school could manage without me for a few days, my kid at home is old enough to let me really get rest, my husband could hold the fort down. The fact that I was forced to just rest.

I needed it.