Schools

Teacher Learns Lesson in Strength

Every day leading up to Mother's Day we'll feature a mom from the Westchase area. Today it's Kim Lee, teacher and newly single mom.

Kimberly Lee

Age: 41

Fifth Grade Teacher at Deer Park Elementary School

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Mommyism: "I can share with my daughter the mistakes I've made and teach her."

At 41 years old Kimberly Lee never thought she would be here. Newly divorced, the North Carolina native is learning the ins and outs of being single, a full-time teacher and most of all mother to 9-year-old Kira.

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Through it all she's found strength she didn't know existed.

"I've done somethings in this last year that I never thought I'd be able to do," she said recently.

As a small child she recalls being the one in the family who cried about everything.

"My momma couldn't understand it," she recalled. "But I know now it was a symptom of being afraid."

That same fear has tried to creep back in over the past year as Lee embarks on a new journey, but a strong spiritual connection has helped keep it at bay, she said.

"It's allowed me to move toward forgiveness," she said.

It's these lessons that Lee says she hopes to pass on to her daughter.

"I'm a lady no matter what has been said about me," she said. "There's a difference between just being a woman and being a lady."

On having a daughter: "It's fun. When I found out I was having a girl, I was excited because I already knew what to do. There are boundaries, but we talk about everything," Lee said. "I feel Kira and I have a good enough relationship she can come to me for anything."

How teaching has affected her as a mother: "When I started teaching an assistant told me I'd never understand teaching until I had a child. As a teacher, I share with Kira the things at school that are good and bad, so she knows the differnce," she said. "You're a mom when you're in there. Even on your worst teaching day you give a kid a hug and you've done your job."

On moving on after divorce: "Last year this time I wouldn't have been able to do this, emotionally or physically," Lee said about the Patch photo shoot. "But I've found strength and moved toward forgiveness."

What motherhood has taught her: "Patience," she said. "It's taught me that I really didn't have it before."

Editor's note: Westchase Patch teamed up with Westfield Citrus Park to pamper some special moms from our neighborhood. For our Mother's Day photo shoot, Westfield Citrus Park merchant Cache supplied Kim's Aqua Lace Up Shoulder Dress ($158); Mixed Chain Necklace ($29); Mixed Waters Stretch Bracelets ($22); and White Leather Cluntch ($68). Kira is wearing a Double Leather Necklace with Reversible 'Mother,' 'Daughter' charms ($50, charms sold seperate) at Bond Jewelers in Westfield Citrus Park. Makeup courtesy Sephora.

Mom's Day Gift idea: Still looking for mom's gift? Head over to Cache in Westfield Citrus Park on Thursday, May 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. when they will be hosting a Mother's Day event featuring special discounts and free refreshments while you shop.

Check back tomorrow for our next featured mom!


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