Page 252 - She's One Crazy Lady!

September 4th 2003:
The beginning of the rest of my life. I received a letter from Teachers’ Pensions saying my application had been approved – that I was too ill to teach. Too ill! I’d been told the process could take up to six months – mine had come through in a matter of two weeks! Everyone was surprised at such a quick response. To see it written in black and white was just – traumatising.
“Having been notified by the Department for Education and Employment that approval has been given to your application for an infirmity pension, I am writing to confirm formally that your service as a Headteacher at the above-named establishment will end on 30 November 2003. I should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your service and loyalty to this authority and, on behalf of my colleagues, to wish you a very happy retirement. If you have any queries...”
(Signed by a Personnel Assistant). It says it all doesn’t it? Twenty-seven years – over.
Marilyn and I had just come back from a glorious, well-earned, break in France. She joked: “You’re not ill Glennis!” No, I wasn’t ill. Worn out, yes – and determined that there was a life out there that needed to be lived.
I will always remember out driving with Marilyn one day when the song ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ from Les Misérables came on the radio. Of all the Musicals that she and I went to see this was our absolute favourite and we knew all the words to all the songs – we’d always sing along to them. I glanced at her as I sang and saw that she was actually quite tearful. I didn’t say anything. Marilyn didn’t say anything – until the song ended... “Cancer has killed your dream Glennis.” Whenever that song came on again we sang, but with a different kind of emotion – always gave each other a knowing look.
“I had a dream my life would be – so different from this hell I’m living...”
I had until November to submit my letter of resignation.
In between time the Union tried to negotiate my salary and to get it reviewed but there was no joy there; my GP had signed me off for a further three months and once more I had to apply for Incapacity Benefit which I didn’t get because I would be taking a Teachers’ Pension. I had talks with the Union about how unfair everything was. I know people said I should let go but there were so many questions that I still wanted answers to – I wanted to know the truth. I truly felt I had been unfairly dismissed or constructively dismissed. I couldn’t let go – not just yet.
November 30th 2003:
Deadline for signing on the dotted line and the heart breaking letters to write to parents and staff and my letter of resignation to the Chair of Governors who replied:
“Thank you for your letter... we are very sorry that the issue of health has steered events to the present situation. On behalf of the Governors I would like to say how much we have missed your whole-hearted work for the school and wish you success in finding a suitable niche for your
“I had a dream my life would be – so different from this hell I’m living...”
I had until November
to submit
my letter of resignation. ”
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