Mary Kessee

Atlanta, GA Prek Chronicles

My 1st baby started Pre-k this past month and if the fact that I haven’t blogged in a month doesn’t attest to how busy I have been since, I don’t know what will.

The week leading up to her 1st day I was an emotional mess - internally of course because I’m supermama right-but man I was in all sorts of tears. I was honestly in a turmoil. My child has always been under my protection or that of her father’s and unless she was getting dropped off to children’s church or her Lela’s house, she is always with me. I constantly have nurturing arms and love around her; always pouring into her and teaching her and though I may not always be patient and get overwhelmed; I am there and she is with me.

It would be the first time I would have to trust someone else to keep her safe, to teach her and for the time she is in school… to pour into her. As a parent in the current world we live in, that is TERRIFYING. Will they love her like I do? Pray over her like I do? Teach her patiently and give encouragement ? Will She even enjoy school and what do I do if she doesn’t?

It’s September now and I can happily report that all is well. She LOVES school. She is always excited to go and tell me how her day was after. She smiles walking in and walking out. The feeling of relief I have is immense. I am so thankful that I have been able to send her to a Christian School. It was extremely important to me that she not only hear about Jesus at home, but at school as well. i want her surrounded by the word and His name.

Currently we are working out the kinks of carlines and of me flip flopping between night shifts on my work days and 0600 mornings when I am home . Though I am tired, I enjoy every second. The early mornings bring forth an early start for me to have my quiet time and enjoy my coffee. I knock out my workouts and house work and by noon most of my to-do is done. I am so thankful. I’m thankful for our worship sessions on the way to school and the rosey cheeked smile that rides in the back seat.

But.. let me say that there is something about sitting in a school car line and doing parent-teacher things that makes you feel like a WHOLE real parent. It’s different when you are home with your littles, but when they suddenly gain a schedule of their own, you feel like a PARENT parent. Here I am 27, 3 whole kids, the busiest of schedules, big dreams and endless list of things to do and yet so very blessed. The best is yet to come and I look forward to it all.

Always,

- MAK

Year 1.

A year ago this month, I chose change; I chose better; I chose me. To many, a change of address may not seem like much, but for someone who was daunted by the idea of change, it was everything. For 20 years of my life my address resided in Mobile, AL. it was home. I grew up there and though I had dreams of living in a big city, I never imagined myself leaving.

Fear kept me there even when my heart desired different. i would always travel and embrace the smell of change and city air on my travels, but those moments were temporary. Mobile wouldn’t let me leave. She was claws deep and I was too scared to push back. “ One day,” is what I would tell myself year after year, but “one day” seemed to be myth that I simply keep forcing myself to believe.

Please keep in mind, I am not talking down on Mobile. I lived some of my best years there. I found my best friends there; I fell in love there. Mobile is the city of Mardi Gras, moon pies, amazing local seafood and much more, but I felt the tug of the Spirit calling me to more.

Summer of ‘18, I boldly made a choice, I’m moving and I’m moving now.. I spoke these words out loud May of 2018; by June I had quit my job and had packed my bags to move to Atlanta. I had no job, no place of my own to live, my car, a few things ,my littles, and a dream. I was going to live with my mom until something came up. All i knew is that I needed out and once I was completely convinced that it was what I needed, there was no room for fear. I overcame fear to better myself, to reach opportunities that were not available to me at my current position, to create a better future for my littles, to heal and grow.

I stepped out on faith in every aspect of the phrase and because I walked in obedience and embraced change, doors opened. I was offered a position at my dream job, I found a place to live within a month and was settled into Atlanta by the end of July…

What. A. Year.

Here I am, a year later and I am in awe. in awe of the Lord and of myself. I stood up to my fears, I welcomed change, I took a stand and I am better for it. I am happier for it. I will never look back. I will continue to embrace each day as it is and choose the best. I am here to “live my best life” as they say.

Year one was about settling in; adapting. Year 2 is all about adventure. I, accompanied by my littles, will go on the adventures this city has to offer; I plan to eat and discover ALL the good food, and simply live each day to it’s highest potential. Grab a seat and join me.

-MAK.

My old views as I would drive through downtown mobile. I’d typically be meeting up with friends to find some grub and brews.

Also, please refer to the first picture, that Atlanta skyline. I literally see this every morning I get off work and it takes my breath every time.

I'm a PARENT parent

Atlanta, Georgia