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