Well, five years later and not much has changed with Josh unfortunately. He was released from prison on October 13, 2023 and was able to keep things together for two weeks before diving head first back into addiction and his old lifestyle. He hasn't been home but briefly for months and he seems stuck in what to do next/how to make the necessary changes to get on track and see his children. Although, Kaysen and Kiyah are not sure if they want to see him or when. They are angry and hurt and sad. And I hate that for them. I know Josh does not want it to be that way but.....
In other news, Rick and I both graduated from WGU with our teaching degrees in the fall of 2020. He was able to be the teacher of record officially for the computer science classes he had been long term subbing/teaching for 10+ years. I officially started teaching again in the fall of 2021. My first two years of teaching 4th grade were challenging, but I am in third grade this year and enjoying teaching again. It's not perfect but it is good. Rick has been leading a robotics club that Kari helps him with two afternoons a week at his school and they have attended the worlds competition in Dallas, TX twice - in 2022 and 2023.
Kari graduated from HS in 2020 and was awarded a full scholarship at UVA. She completed her first year online during the pandemic but returned home after a week at UVA in 2021 and now works at my school as a fulltime IEP clerk and is rocking her position! She started out as a TSA when she come home early and has been an amazing addition to the MES staff. She has awesome relationships with staff members and students and is loved by so many.
Noah graduated from HS in 2022 and is currently working at Starbucks as he pursues his drag queen career. He has performed in several shows in DC and Baltimore and does all his own makeup, choreography and outfits. He worked at LMS with Rick as a TSA for a year but was a bit stressed working with students with special needs all day. He was amazing at it but wanted a job that was a bit less emotionally stressful. He also just purchased his first car!
Devin and Austin are still living in PA and he works at a local radio station as a sports reporter. Devin is bartending and waitressing. We don't get to see them as much as we would like to, though.
Cody is in MD but we have not seen him or the girls in 8 years. He and Brianne divorced a few years ago and Hayden just turned 9 this month. We have never met Dakota and she will be 8 this December.
Kaysen is now 13 and in 8th grade. I cannot believe he will be in HS next year. He is such a smart, responsible and lovable kiddo. Kiyah is 11 and just started MS this year. She is doing well navigating new educational territory. She is creative, talented and quirky. We enjoy getting them once a month and spending time at the local Amish market, fishing, going to the movies or swimming.
This life Rick and I have been building doesn't look much like I thought it would but it is still good. I am looking forward to us celebrating 25 years of red, hot monogamy next July. We may even mark the milestone anniversary with a trip and matching tattoos.
I do love my life and I am very grateful. I am looking forward to us buying a house and Rick getting his master's degree this year. I am hoping to finish all of my certification requirements to be able to start a reading specialist master's in the spring of 2025. I enjoy being back in the classroom but know I do not have the patience to do it long term. But, for now I do enjoy teaching and love seeing my students learn and grow.
