BY EMILIE DARBY, MUSIC SUPPORT SPECIALIST

It’s May. How on earth did that happen so fast?

But alas, here we are, and as I pull the calendar month of April from above my desk and replace it with the tasks of May, I find myself marvelling at how quickly this year has sped by, and how fast the summer months are approaching. It feels as though someone has hit some kind of acceleration button, and we’re all just being rocket launched ahead…except no one knows exactly where we are being launched to, nor what to expect once we get there.

Hold on everyone! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

And a bumpy ride it has been! But it’s also been a lot of fun too.

So much in fact, that I feel it necessary to share a few of my favourite things that I have grown to love and appreciate during my time here at Abbotsford Christian School.

1. Welcome to our Home!

I know, I know, I know! It’s a little cheesy, and a tad cliché…but the truth is, the words written on the glass of our front doors at school, bring me great comfort. When I come in to work everyday, I see those words written and they mean something to me. Just a small, gentle reminder that we’re all children of God, and that we’re all in this together. It doesn’t matter what kind of morning I’ve had already. I open that door, and I’m suddenly getting another chance.

I’m home.

2. Staff Room Banter

I have never, ever, in my entire life, met anything quite as fierce as when educators meet an empty pot of coffee. One sound of that empty chortle from the coffee pot, and it’s all over. That, or when the dishwasher hasn’t been emptied or when we’re out of milk for said coffee. If these things are happening…RUN! Or bring cake…because the sounds of indignation can be heard by all! And that’s just Roy!

Ahhh, the universal sounds of family!

3. Our Beloved PAC

I love these people more than words can convey or express.

When I began working full time, I was excited to begin another phase of my life…but what I did not expect, was all that I would have to give up in exchange to do so.

Two things I miss the most: going on field trips with my kids, and working on the PAC. The PAC are incredible, and I cherish all the wisdom they have given to me over the years. They are truly at the heart of all things good at our school. They organize hot lunches, and prepare so many wonderful events. They feed our staff with amazing food, and help in the classrooms. They do lice checks, paint sets, sew costumes, and make endless amounts of baking for Grandfriend’s day.

But my most favourite thing about PAC was knowing that they were there when I couldn’t be. When I couldn’t be present for my Aliana’s field trips during her grade 1 year, the guilt I felt was insurmountable. I am especially thankful for the two women who hugged me and told me everything would be alright. They also texted pictures of my child during her field trips to ease my sadness and to make me smile…and you know what? They still do this for me! I feel so incredibly blessed.

4. Song of the Month

Every month, Mrs. Melanie Rae teaches the children a new song of worship and I truly cannot think of a more innocent nor glorious sound. There are moments when we both just stop singing and listen in astonishment. It’s just that beautiful! It is within these moments I am reminded our Creator God is not only real…but He is present…and so delights in the voices of His children.

5. The Kids

Last, but certainly not least, my most favourite thing here at ACES, would have to be the students themselves. Everyday I help support their educational needs, but I find it rather ironic that it is more often than not the students end up teaching me. They have taught me to persevere, to have strength, and to learn patience. They have taught me to practice resiliency, laugh at ridiculous jokes, and to dance the floss. And above all, they have taught me that disability doesn’t need to be an obstacle to success, and that perfection is overrated.

Now that I think about it…

Bring it on, Month of May…Bring it ON!