Life Stories ( Cont ’ d )
In 1977 , this strong woman began working for the San Diego Unified School District . Initially , she was basically on call , working as many hours as she could . Eventually , the hours would increase . She worked this way for about seven years , learning as much as she could until she became a permanent employee with full benefits .
She moved up the ladder until she reached the position she now holds : Food Services Area Supervisor . At that post , she oversees a number of schools , ensuring the respective cafeterias are efficiently run . She ’ s held that position for the last 18 years .
Along the way , she was able to fulfill her special calling . For 25 years , she was a foster parent . In that role , she was involved in rebuilding the lives of dozens of young girls . The children in her charge were some of the most challenging . Amazingly , many would return after they ’ d reached adulthood and share Thanksgiving or Christmas .
For most of them , she was the one person they could count on . The only one they felt had loved them .
But make no mistakes . She was tough . She believed in rules . Once in a while , one of her girls would look in my direction , as if looking for a “ lifeline ”. I ’ d simply give them the answer they weren ’ t looking for . “ Don ’ t look at me . Those are the rules I had to follow .” Then , with a chuckle , I ’ d say , “ Welcome to the family .”
As she ended her time in foster care , she adopted the last child she had . Her name was Victoria . She became her “ special one ” as she continued to nurture her . She even enrolled her in college where she happily attended until life threw her a curve . Victoria became seriously ill . She had lupus .
In December of 2015 , in San Diego , she passed away . She was 25 years old . She bid goodbye to this world as her family and friends stood around her holding hands and singing hymns . As a tribute to her short life , each family member of legal age wears a tattoo for her . But this strong woman had lost her special one . Her baby was gone . No matter how tough life gets . No matter how many tears she must shed . Or how much pain she ’ s had to bear , this strong woman musters the energy to fight on . She has other children and grandchildren who still feed off of her strength . In case you haven ’ t guessed , this strong woman is my mom . Etter Elliott . On June 25 , 2016 , my mom was awarded the 2015-2016 Administrators Association San Diego City
Schools Distinguished Leader Award .
According to the organization , “ Distinguished Leaders are selected for their work skills , their interaction with staff members and co-workers , their leadership qualities , their volunteerism and community involvement , including participation in district activities .”
My mom simply doesn ’ t like accepting any type of public recognition . She prefers to be a silent soldier . But after 39 years of dedicated service , this single mother , who once found herself on streets with her family , has allowed herself to let her guard down to accept her well-deserved reward .
With all of her trials and tribulations , she continues to work her program . She feeds the elderly , she still molds young lives in her own way and helps those in need .
JULY-AUGUST 2016
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WRITERS ’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE