This week my mom retires after finishing her 37th year in teaching. I wanted to write a blog post dedicated to her, as she really is the original and first member of the Going Further Fam. My mom has spent all 37 years of her career in the same school district, in my hometown in Iowa. She’s held a few different teaching titles throughout her career (Elementary Special Education Teacher, Elementary Reading Recovery Teacher, and Elementary Title I Teacher). What stands out to me most is the common thread of teaching reading throughout her entire career, because this is what has had the most profound impact on my life. Growing up in such a small town, Kindergarten through 12th grade is in the same building. I don’t think I’ve ever properly thanked my mom for all of the times that she rescued me with going home to retrieve homework I forgot, among many other things. Her organization, planning, and prioritizing skills are second to none—and I think I’ve finally mustered up some of these skills for myself (but not to her level yet).
From a very early age, I had a love and appreciation for reading—all thanks to my wonderful mom. I remember when my mom would periodically go to reading conferences, and always bring me autographed children’s books. I absolutely adored the little messages she would have authors leave me in their books. I didn’t think about it much as a young kid, but the reading skills my mom helped me develop would be what would propel me forward through everything in life. I’ve never considered myself to be the smartest—but more someone who has to work really hard for nearly everything. At times this was challenging to me, as I watched peers breeze through various subjects with little effort, while I practically had to slave myself to comprehend anything. If reading felt easy to me, science and math were the opposite. The strong foundation my mom helped lay for me in reading and writing, certainly was my saving grace through any challenges I faced with science, math, or even anything else that was difficult for me. Later while in college, I became grateful for this part of me. I’m not afraid to work hard, and I now understand that if I am willing to put in the work I can definitely learn anything.
As a deeply intuitive, introverted, and introspective individual—reading and writing is the creative outlet and muse my soul has always needed. And I only realize this more and more as I get older. It’s a calling of mine, and true purpose for me in this world. When I think about my blog, my future as a writer, author, and content creator—I owe it all to my mom. She has complimented my writing too many times to count, and has encouraged me to be all that I want to be in this world (especially through the vessel of writing and content creation). If there’s anyone else besides Donnie and Rue, that really gets what “Start Going Further” means to me, it’s my mom. And when it comes to all the different types of content I create and everything that I do with Start Going Further, she’s often the first person to see it. She’s not only encouraged me along the way, but provided feedback on various drafts and versions of many things before they are published for the world to see.
Thank you Mom, for instilling in me the deepest appreciation for both reading and writing. You’ve helped mold me into who I am today, and I wouldn’t be the reader or the writer or the author-to-be, if it wasn’t for your unwavering encouragement. Your commitment and dedication to education throughout your 37 years of service is not only inspiring but something to be seriously proud of. This next chapter of life for you is going to be nothing short of amazing. I am ecstatic for all of the adventures we will have together. And in case I haven’t told you enough—thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for being the original and first member of the Going Further Fam. Thank you for believing in Start Going Further—everything it encompasses currently, and everything you know I hope it to evolve into in the future. I am so lucky and so blessed to be your daughter, and I love you with all of my heart. And as you and I already know, the days are long but the years are short. You must make them count.
Remember to LIVE your ADVENTURE.
See you later Going Further Fam! ✌️
Demie
I feel honored you are my daughter! Looking forward to spending time in Colorado!
Love you,
Iowa Mom
I enjoyed reading this Demie. You are so lucky to have Kellie as your mom and she is lucky to have you for a daughter. You have a great gift to write words and this is a special gift your mom has given you.