Change of a Lifetime

To reiterate what I recently posted on Facebook:
 "I knew going into 2014, there will be change and challenges with a new baby, Abby starting Kindergarten, and ultimately resetting family routine... and now, today, another opportunity of huge change for our family was finally just set into motion. Hoping to share the news soon." 
I'm finally able to share. But I need you to truly understand and feel the depth of this new chapter - here's some background.

Understand that ever since Tony has been able to work, he's always, always had 2 - 3 jobs and always, always ran hard 10-15hr days, 7 days a week, at times including college classes:


I've watched (and still watch) him day in and day out, getting up every morning with no complaints and head into work. When I think about it... he's never complained about going into work. And he's the kind of man that won't give in to play hookey just for a day. He's dedicated.


His work ethic is beyond any other and besides the need to pay bills... he's done all this because he loved his jobs. Especially the San Juan Unified School District.

Up to this point, he's had 2 jobs these past ten years... and then an opportunity was presented to Tony. One that would be against his (our) norm, change our daily routine... and our family time. This opportunity did take time for the details to come together and all the while, took Tony months of carefully thinking and planning those details. Weighing the options, stressing, and losing sleep - What's best for the family? 

The decision was finally made.

It is with a very heavy heart for Mr. Tony, that he'll be saying goodbye and parting ways from the 13yrs with the San Juan Unified School District.

It's leaving those babies he's watched from preschool, to who still visits Tony even now that those same babies, are almost out of high school. Saying goodbye to the kids is what hurts him the most. And me too.

I just loved his stories he had everyday after work. Things the kids did or said, what he's proud about, his concerns and hopes for them. He knows all of their stories and family lives. He knows their siblings and close with their parents... this will be Tony's last week at SJUSD.

Mr. Anthony James has accepted a full-time manager position at Sports Authority.

In all his jobs, he's worked hard. Nothing different with this one. Sports Authority acknowledges his incredible work ethic and leadership skills. He's turned 2 stores around and took them to rank top in the region... and they see his teammates looking to him as their mentor.

With this acceptance, he now has only one job. ONE full-time job... did you hear my heavy sigh?

He'll now have two COMPLETE days off. He'll now be able to join me and Abby with outings and friend/family gatherings, holidays. NOW, I won't have to worry as much about him running so hard with little sleep. NOW, Tony and I will be able to see more of each other... more... of everything.

I'm starting to cry.

I can breathe... and he'll be able to sleep.  Yes, we're both nervous about this giant leap of faith. Working with his new schedule, reworking our daily routine with Abby's school dropoff/pickup, and wondering about bills... but overall, I'm humbled, so proud... and very much grateful.

To Mr. Tony.  I love you.  

Like Father, Like Son

Family of 3.5