Inspiration?

Who doesn’t love a pregnant woman? Apparently, most people do. As this 40 week venture comes to a close, hopefully sooner than later, I have to say that I am overcome with emotion. Much of it is hormonally fueled, but there is a huge piece that is truly attributed to the kindness of others. Let me explain.
About an hour ago, Natalie, the Wednesday night spin instructor was leading us in a post class stretch. All of the instructors wear head-mikes (“the better to hear you with”), and suddenly I hear, “Are you leaving, Mommy?” She was referring to me. Natalie then went on to share with the 25 people in the room that I deserve a round of applause, as I am a week away from my due date. 50 eyes and 25 sweaty bodies turn and clap for me. Natalie then goes on to say that it has been incredible to watch me grow and share this time with them each week; that I have been so dedicated. I was so touched and am still welling up thinking about it.
Coincidentally, Natalie’s niece is a student in one of my classes (no, not special ed). As I approached the door that would lead me into 9th period today, ‘S’ was standing there with ‘J’, both of them wearing huge smiles. “We got you a present!!! Open it!!” The most adorable onesie with an attached tutu and matching headband was in the Denny’s bag. So sweet…I mean, these kids cannot drive and I know they are not bike riding to the store to buy their teacher a gift. The fact that I impact them enough to convince their parents to drive and purchase something for little old me (not so little right now) once again brings tears to my eyes (hot mess…I’m a hot mess). It wouldn’t be middle school if the boys did not accuse the girls of being kiss-ups….
Earlier in the day, another one of my students handed me a box. The card said “To Mrs. Shapiro, the best teacher.” What happens next? Crying and laughing in the library because, you guessed it, I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I also began to see, to really see, that my life was about to dramatically change. I realize that a baby is a huge change, but for 13 years, work has been my baby. I just cannot wrap my head around all this!! I also began to wonder and hope that my daughter would love and respect me the same way some (note: some) of my students do. I have a feeling that when she is 12-14, she will hate my guts, but that is normal. I can take it. I subject myself to that world on a daily basis.
Finally, a few weeks ago, a woman at the gym approached me and said; “You’re an inspiration!!! How do you still workout???” My response was that it is just a part of my day and that I have been doing it for years. I mean, let’s be real. My pace is slower as per the doctor’s orders, but it is a part of my life. When I was an overweight 13 year old, cupcakes were a part of my life; I would never have imagined this to be a topic of conversation today. The thing is, I don’t think of myself as an inspiration, whether it is to fellow patrons at the gym or to my students. I just go about my business. And maybe that is why, hormonal or not, I cannot seem to help but feel like a celebrity right now, slightly more famous than Kathy Griffin, giving an acceptance speech for an award. If you saw what I looked like now, this celeb is lacking the glitz and glam, but I hear applause, I see smiles, and very soon, I might even see my feet.