Good Tired by Angie Ledbetter

Sometimes our plans and gotta-do stuff clumps together in a wad of busy days and we run as fast as we can to keep up and check off the things filling our lists. I've had a week of that -- a 6-day writers conference and my parents' 50th wedding anniversary party the day after I returned.

The conference required a lot of mental work and writing, with lots of walking around the huge hotel all day, and a 3-hour ghost walking tour around New Orleans. Okay, I'm 48, heavy and not in marathon shape, so it was more exercise (physical & mental) than I'm used to, but I'm not complaining. Actually, I enjoyed it and took the stairs sometimes when an elevator was just as close. The point is, my body spent almost a week in unfamiliar circumstances and in a strange bed. But out of that conference, I got some golden nuggets in the form of an improved manuscript and some successful agent pitches. I was exhausted, but so glad I went.

Yesterday my parents celebrated five decades of a wonderful marriage full of love, laughter, grandchildren, and great-grands. The guest list had to be limited because of the venue, but their friends could've filled the New Orleans Superdome. And what a tribute and statement to their goodness that is. It was fun helping put together the party, and again, I felt that "good tired" you experience after an unfamiliar event or circumstance involving some effort pays you back with dividends you weren't expecting.

I slept like the proverbial log the last two nights and the jetlag I felt (even though I was nowhere near an airport) has lifted. I'm ready for whatever comes my way and looking for more "good tired" nights. I am grateful for last week and that my body, mind and spirit kept up with the demands needing to be met. And, again, I'm grateful for my good soft bed.

Early Workers by Angie Ledbetter

Driving home from my parents' house early this morning, I passed very few cars or people in the dark hour before daylight. A few teens waited for buses on street corners, and I felt sorry for them until I remembered the past three years when I and many other teachers woke at 4:30 daily to get ready and get to school on time. *smile*

A recycling truck lumbered by like some prehistoric behemoth; a city bus, lit from within like a land yacht, spilled its yellow light onto the wet street; and several school buses crossed my path this morning. Their drivers made me think about all the people who rise to go to work on the night shift or in the wee hours of the morning. Having to adjust my own night owl preferences to get up early too, I appreciate the effort they have to put in in order to make their 40 hours. There's nothing fun about it -- they have to sleep while others are relaxing, they go through a painful period of sleep deprivation until their bodies adjust to a new schedule, and they drag through sometimes months of feeling tired and drained.

I appreciate these people. Without them, our world wouldn't run as smoothly. Think of the emergency and hospital personnel, those who man newspaper plants and radio stations, truckers who haul groceries and produce cross country, and store clerks and restaurant servers who keep 24-hour businesses open and running. Many of them don't work the dog shift or early mornings because they prefer it. Maybe it was the only job available, or perhaps they are taking care of kids or sick ones at home. Or it's a second income because they are struggling financially.

I'm going to remember to thank these "cogs" who keep our world's wheels turning smoothly day and night. At the very least, I'll keep in mind they are tired and trying to do their best under hard circumstances, and probably need a little human kindness and compassion from those whom they serve, instead of grouchy attitudes. Without the early workers, my life wouldn't be filled with nearly as many conveniences.

The Dedicated by Angie Ledbetter

A great man has passed on this week. Fr. Joe was 93 and lived his entire life in service of his church, congregation, and two campuses' worth of students and staff he dearly loved. Daily, no matter the weather, I'd see him shuffling around the large Pre-K through senior high campuses where I work. Even when he felt bad or his old feet were hurting, he never failed to make the journey. He did it every day, he told me, "To pray for all the kids here. Ya know...some of them don't have anyone else praying for them."


Fr. Joe's many kindnesses and selfless actions were admirable and memorable. I asked my fifth and sixth grade students to write a little something about this dear priest yesterday, and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of thought and work they put into their papers. Many mentioned how much Father meant to their lives; his sense of humor; his love of football; but most often, how they just knew he was continuing to pray for them from heaven. What a fine tribute to a man with a servant's heart!


I work with several dedicated teachers and school staff personnel. Among my closest friends are those who give a great deal of time to volunteering, giving to others, and working for causes that move them. My father, President of Istrouma High School's Class of 55, maintains contact with all his classmates and helps organize reunions, get-togethers, and now city-wide 50s functions with other high schools' alums. These, and several more I haven't mentioned, inspire me to watch over the organizations, groups, beliefs, and people I believe in. They role model for me (and others) the importance of being truly dedicated, because none of these people see the fruits of their labors or rewards of their tireless work.


But, like Fr. Joe, their legacies and stories will live on long after their passing. Just ask anyone who had the good fortune of knowing or working with them. I extend my gratitude to these people who stay the course and continue their work long after most people have folded up their tents and gone home. Bravo and amen to you!