Remember in kindergarten, when you could color the grass purple and paint the skies orange? You could put six inch eyelashes on mom's beautiful turquoise eyes and draw red whiskers on dad's chinny chin chin. Kittens were always girls and puppies were always boys. Life was yours to embrace, enjoy, evaluate! How joyful was your ability to create the pictures in your mind...
Then along came 1st grade. Grass had to be green. That is what the teacher said. Kids began to laugh if your pictures were different. By the 5th grade, everyone's pictures looked alike, and you learned about conformity, acceptance, and status quo, but your imagination became stagnant, colors became bland and school became a requirement.
It wasn't just in art that constraints and restraints ended childhood dreams. Music had to suddenly make sense, stay on pitch, and match a specific beat. Compositions had to have perfect punctuation, specific capitalization, and subject verb agreement. Poetry had to be read in rhythm and rhyming patterns had to be identified. Words were no longer beautiful, but served a purpose dictated by rules.
Funny thing, though. The writer with perfect mechanics becomes an editor while an author rediscovers life through stories. The pianist with perfect rhythm and pitch becomes a piano teacher, while the one who hears music in the wind becomes a composer. The exact paint strokes and color matching develops a house painter, but creating a colorful palette and using whimsical subjects develops a modern day Picasso or Van Gogh.
Whether you are a parent or a young adult, a bachelor or a grandparent, open the windows and smell the softness of a sunset, the melody of a songbird, and the poetry in a river. Return to those days of purple grass and orange skies, and for Heaven's sake, allow the children in your life to find the joy in creativity and the rewards of uniqueness. Life is a joyful journey if we truly learn to be ourselves.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
You Can Learn A Lot from a Movie~
Last evening, I watched a movie on television: The Emperor's Club. It revolves around the career of a passionate, but very human, teacher. A history teacher creates in his students a love for ancient history, delving into not only the events, but the men who impacted global thinking for generations. Even more importantly, he teaches his students the importance of integrity, honesty, and acceptance.
Perhaps the saddest moment in his life is the realization that even though he wants these life lessons ingrained in his students, he recognizes that one young man in particular chooses to disregard them and uses cheating and lying to gain prosperity and influence. It forces him to remember a time when he, too, made a choice that was not ethical, but he faces his demon and makes things right with the young man he had offended.
Other movies have also tugged at my heart. How many of you have see the movie with James Garner, The Ultimate Gift? This movie was so powerful that I arranged a showing of it to the students at the middle school where I taught at the time. Sometimes an amazing viewing opportunity arises and can change the life of the viewer. Using pain, humor, passion, and more, the screenwriter imparts a wisdom that few can capture. It is important for me to remember and to remind others of these very important gifts we have opportunity to receive and to pass on to our children and grandchildren.
The twelve gifts in the movie "The Ultimate Gift" were:
1) the gift of work (he must learn to work for his money)
2) the gift of money (he must learn to handle his money wisely)
3) the gift of love (he must learn to love unconditionally)
4) the gift of friends (he must find friends who accept him without his money)
5) the gift of laughter (he must learn to see the joys of life)
6) the gift of giving (must learn to be generous, especially with money)
7) the gift of family (he must spend time with family)
8) the gift of problems (he must learn to face and solve problems for himself)
9) the gift of learning (he must learn to learn, he doesn't know everything)
10) the gift of dreams (he must have dreams, dreams for his life)
11) the gift of gratitude (he must learn to be thankful for what he has)
12) the gift of a day (What would you do with your last day on Earth?)
As you can see from the list, what a wonderful reminder of the preciousness of this life God has given us. See how you can apply these gifts to your life. You will be "ultimately blessed!"
Perhaps the saddest moment in his life is the realization that even though he wants these life lessons ingrained in his students, he recognizes that one young man in particular chooses to disregard them and uses cheating and lying to gain prosperity and influence. It forces him to remember a time when he, too, made a choice that was not ethical, but he faces his demon and makes things right with the young man he had offended.
Other movies have also tugged at my heart. How many of you have see the movie with James Garner, The Ultimate Gift? This movie was so powerful that I arranged a showing of it to the students at the middle school where I taught at the time. Sometimes an amazing viewing opportunity arises and can change the life of the viewer. Using pain, humor, passion, and more, the screenwriter imparts a wisdom that few can capture. It is important for me to remember and to remind others of these very important gifts we have opportunity to receive and to pass on to our children and grandchildren.
The twelve gifts in the movie "The Ultimate Gift" were:
1) the gift of work (he must learn to work for his money)
2) the gift of money (he must learn to handle his money wisely)
3) the gift of love (he must learn to love unconditionally)
4) the gift of friends (he must find friends who accept him without his money)
5) the gift of laughter (he must learn to see the joys of life)
6) the gift of giving (must learn to be generous, especially with money)
7) the gift of family (he must spend time with family)
8) the gift of problems (he must learn to face and solve problems for himself)
9) the gift of learning (he must learn to learn, he doesn't know everything)
10) the gift of dreams (he must have dreams, dreams for his life)
11) the gift of gratitude (he must learn to be thankful for what he has)
12) the gift of a day (What would you do with your last day on Earth?)
As you can see from the list, what a wonderful reminder of the preciousness of this life God has given us. See how you can apply these gifts to your life. You will be "ultimately blessed!"
Monday, August 22, 2011
When Moms are Nervous~
I started my day by taking my youngest to high school. It was harder than I expected considering that she went to school with me for the past three years. How did the years pass so quickly? Will my nest really be empty in four short years?
Last night, Molly went through her closet and picked out outfits for the week. She put together her new Jon Hart backpack with matching pencil bag. She showered so that she could sleep a few extra moments while her Dad ran to the store to stock up on her favorite lunch items. She is much more prepared for this big change than I am. I hovered and asked how I could help. She gently reminded me that she was "now in high school and could handle it." I know she is right!
The high school is MUCH larger than any school she has ever attended, and I couldn't help but look at the many students piling into the building. She has been part of a school where students basically dressed alike, had parents who pushed, and a small student/teacher ratio and family atmosphere. These new students represent our entire city~ culturally, economically, racially, and politically. I am excited that she will be meeting so many new people and learning about so many different cultures and ideas, but I cannot help but feel a bit nervous. Will she make friends that are kind? Will she be confident? ...and will she know how to walk away when confronted with choices that can hurt her and reduce her future?
All I can do is turn both her future days and mine to God and pray that we will both move in the right direction and make this world a better place, a friendlier place, and a safer place.
Here's to my Molly and all the other freshman ~ class of 2015. You are our hope for a brighter future!
Last night, Molly went through her closet and picked out outfits for the week. She put together her new Jon Hart backpack with matching pencil bag. She showered so that she could sleep a few extra moments while her Dad ran to the store to stock up on her favorite lunch items. She is much more prepared for this big change than I am. I hovered and asked how I could help. She gently reminded me that she was "now in high school and could handle it." I know she is right!
The high school is MUCH larger than any school she has ever attended, and I couldn't help but look at the many students piling into the building. She has been part of a school where students basically dressed alike, had parents who pushed, and a small student/teacher ratio and family atmosphere. These new students represent our entire city~ culturally, economically, racially, and politically. I am excited that she will be meeting so many new people and learning about so many different cultures and ideas, but I cannot help but feel a bit nervous. Will she make friends that are kind? Will she be confident? ...and will she know how to walk away when confronted with choices that can hurt her and reduce her future?
All I can do is turn both her future days and mine to God and pray that we will both move in the right direction and make this world a better place, a friendlier place, and a safer place.
Here's to my Molly and all the other freshman ~ class of 2015. You are our hope for a brighter future!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Blood is Thicker than Water~
My sister called me this week and asked if I would be available to come to Dallas to drive her to the hospital. I immediately said yes even though it is my youngest daughter's first week in high school. Why? Because there are times when you have to put aside one important event for something even more important. My sister needs me and I am the one person in the family that can actually take the time to go and spend a few days with her in the middle of the week. I cherish the thought that we are close as a family and can call on one another when needs arise.
I have lived long enough to know that we are a special family. I am always sad when I hear that family members go for months and even years without contact. We all have friends who live miles away from their families and rarely have the chance to see one another. Others are burdened by childhood hurts, cruel words, broken dreams and they just cannot put those feelings behind them. It is so hard to heal from those past hurts. Sometimes we replace our birth family with friends who become our sisters and brothers and find the joy in a family relationship.
Although my family is close, it has taken a lot of work to keep it so. We, too, have struggled through disagreements and times where we needed space. Our words are sometimes too free and our advice too assertive. We have pushed too hard when we should have just listened, judged by our own perspective, and hung up the phone when we should have held on. I am fortunate to have a family that forgives. I sure have needed a big helping of forgiveness from them when I come on too strong, but I have practiced forgiveness because we were taught that there is nothing more important than family.
My challenge to my readers is this~ call someone in your family. Ask them how you can support them. If there are things to be forgiven, ask them for forgiveness or forgive them. Plan some one on one time. I promise you, there is someone waiting for your phone call and it will bless you to have a moment of shared family. Here's to the telephone, the letter, the email! May it change your life.
I have lived long enough to know that we are a special family. I am always sad when I hear that family members go for months and even years without contact. We all have friends who live miles away from their families and rarely have the chance to see one another. Others are burdened by childhood hurts, cruel words, broken dreams and they just cannot put those feelings behind them. It is so hard to heal from those past hurts. Sometimes we replace our birth family with friends who become our sisters and brothers and find the joy in a family relationship.
Although my family is close, it has taken a lot of work to keep it so. We, too, have struggled through disagreements and times where we needed space. Our words are sometimes too free and our advice too assertive. We have pushed too hard when we should have just listened, judged by our own perspective, and hung up the phone when we should have held on. I am fortunate to have a family that forgives. I sure have needed a big helping of forgiveness from them when I come on too strong, but I have practiced forgiveness because we were taught that there is nothing more important than family.
My challenge to my readers is this~ call someone in your family. Ask them how you can support them. If there are things to be forgiven, ask them for forgiveness or forgive them. Plan some one on one time. I promise you, there is someone waiting for your phone call and it will bless you to have a moment of shared family. Here's to the telephone, the letter, the email! May it change your life.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Driving Miss Dorothy
I picked up Nan's mother today. I didn't know it was Nan's mother, but I saw a picture on the dresser as I unfolded the wheelchair and watched the beautifully dressed ninety year old Dorothy struggle into it. I asked about the photo and we were both quietly pleased that we have a connection. Sometimes realizing we live in a small world makes us smile.
Today, we are headed to the cardiologist. Although Dorothy may have some physical challenges, it is obvious that she has no mental ones. She has a memory and a wit that I can only one day hope to experience. She grew up in Michigan and it is as clear as day the moments she experienced. I heard about her sweet love who would become her husband one day. They would stay in Michigan where they both worked for the telephone company. She told me about the birth of her sweet Nan. It is obvious that she still treasures her only daughter.
We arrive at Professional Building #4 and drive to the roof. I help her out of the car and we journey down the hall. She knows exactly where to go. Her cardiologist has watched over her for 25 years and believe me, it is a heart worth watching over. I am fortunate to be here with her today, this woman I have just met. She shines with life and is so gracious.We chat until the nurse arrives to take her back to the examining room, and my moment is over.
Dorothy asked me if I liked driving for the Hero office. It brought tears to my eyes, because God is gifting me with new connections, new stories, new friends. It makes me sparkle just having the opportunities to spend time with these men and women who need a ride. One day, I will need a ride and I can't wait to see who shows up. Now, I need to make a phone call and tell Nan about my morning with her mom.
Today, we are headed to the cardiologist. Although Dorothy may have some physical challenges, it is obvious that she has no mental ones. She has a memory and a wit that I can only one day hope to experience. She grew up in Michigan and it is as clear as day the moments she experienced. I heard about her sweet love who would become her husband one day. They would stay in Michigan where they both worked for the telephone company. She told me about the birth of her sweet Nan. It is obvious that she still treasures her only daughter.
We arrive at Professional Building #4 and drive to the roof. I help her out of the car and we journey down the hall. She knows exactly where to go. Her cardiologist has watched over her for 25 years and believe me, it is a heart worth watching over. I am fortunate to be here with her today, this woman I have just met. She shines with life and is so gracious.We chat until the nurse arrives to take her back to the examining room, and my moment is over.
Dorothy asked me if I liked driving for the Hero office. It brought tears to my eyes, because God is gifting me with new connections, new stories, new friends. It makes me sparkle just having the opportunities to spend time with these men and women who need a ride. One day, I will need a ride and I can't wait to see who shows up. Now, I need to make a phone call and tell Nan about my morning with her mom.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Ladies Lunch Out
The phone rings, or you get a text or an email ~ "Let's do lunch."
The gents will never understand how important Ladies Lunch Out is to the women of the world. I believe all the problems in the world can be solved with these special meals. Whether comparing notes on parenting, supporting a friend going through a difficult time, or planning an event or vacation, these luncheons keep women functioning at their best.
Lunch sometimes is an escape for those of us who are raising teenage daughters. We sympathize and mourn the loss of our little girls and try to figure out what to do with these emerging, opinionated young ladies over salads and sandwiches. We all can relate when we wonder how such a lovely young lady can try on and discard eleven outfits before going out and just leave them where they fall. We understand when one wants to throw out the computer and the cell phone for some one on one time with their daughter. We encourage one another over desserts and decaf coffee before leaving and reminding each other that this too shall pass.
As we journey through life, sometimes doctors throw us a curve we are not expecting. How many meals have I prayed through as a young wife hopes to begin a family and meets challenges? How many packets of Equal have I stirred into tea when a precious friend discovers she has cancer? How many bites of lasagna have I struggled to swallow when a parent is diagnosed with a life threatening illness? I am so fortunate to have friends that I can be there for and who I know will be there for me. Sometime there is such peace in the sound of ice clinking in glasses and knowing that someone else will be washing the dishes when we finish our meal. It is a blessing when what we long for most is the hug of a close friend.
Lunch is not always about overcoming life's hardships, though. Sometimes Ladies Lunch Out is about celebrating. With a girlfriend, we can laugh about the antics of our husbands and children. We can plan a baby shower for a friend. We share photos of our daughters in their wedding dresses, our sons in their graduation caps and gowns, and someday, the photos of our grandchildren in Santa hats or with the Easter bunny. We celebrate a common book we have read, a pound we have lost, or a movie we have seen. We find joy in the simple things and the big things. We find joy in the company of ladies at lunch!
Now ladies, pull out that directory and make that phone call. Someone is yearning to to Ladies Lunch Out.
The gents will never understand how important Ladies Lunch Out is to the women of the world. I believe all the problems in the world can be solved with these special meals. Whether comparing notes on parenting, supporting a friend going through a difficult time, or planning an event or vacation, these luncheons keep women functioning at their best.
Lunch sometimes is an escape for those of us who are raising teenage daughters. We sympathize and mourn the loss of our little girls and try to figure out what to do with these emerging, opinionated young ladies over salads and sandwiches. We all can relate when we wonder how such a lovely young lady can try on and discard eleven outfits before going out and just leave them where they fall. We understand when one wants to throw out the computer and the cell phone for some one on one time with their daughter. We encourage one another over desserts and decaf coffee before leaving and reminding each other that this too shall pass.
As we journey through life, sometimes doctors throw us a curve we are not expecting. How many meals have I prayed through as a young wife hopes to begin a family and meets challenges? How many packets of Equal have I stirred into tea when a precious friend discovers she has cancer? How many bites of lasagna have I struggled to swallow when a parent is diagnosed with a life threatening illness? I am so fortunate to have friends that I can be there for and who I know will be there for me. Sometime there is such peace in the sound of ice clinking in glasses and knowing that someone else will be washing the dishes when we finish our meal. It is a blessing when what we long for most is the hug of a close friend.
Lunch is not always about overcoming life's hardships, though. Sometimes Ladies Lunch Out is about celebrating. With a girlfriend, we can laugh about the antics of our husbands and children. We can plan a baby shower for a friend. We share photos of our daughters in their wedding dresses, our sons in their graduation caps and gowns, and someday, the photos of our grandchildren in Santa hats or with the Easter bunny. We celebrate a common book we have read, a pound we have lost, or a movie we have seen. We find joy in the simple things and the big things. We find joy in the company of ladies at lunch!
Now ladies, pull out that directory and make that phone call. Someone is yearning to to Ladies Lunch Out.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Quiet Moments
I am one of those "busy" women you hear about. Between my family, friends, church and career, I don't have very many quiet moments, but I sure do love them and need them. As I move into the next chapter of my life, I want to create intentional quiet moments.
Reading ~ My sister bought me a Kindle as a retirement gift after 30 years of teaching. I never thought I would want an electronic gadget. How would I enjoy the crisp page turn, the familiar dog ear, the personalized bookmark in this modern marvel? Surprise! I love having a Kindle. The first book I downloaded was Heaven is For Real. Loved it and it made me think! Then, I downloaded The Help. I had planned on reading it in Book Club last fall but never got around to buying it. With the Kindle, it was a snap and I couldn't put it down. I am now planning a movie night with my friends who have read it, too. I have downloaded several more books and have rediscovered the quiet moment when the only sound you hear is the AC and you disappear into the story of the moment.
Music~ While my iPhone is a great tool for communicating, it also is my new link to music. I am able to download all my favorites: Michael Buble, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, and others. The familiar tunes create atmosphere. I can sing along as I do my nails, dust, apply make-up, or sometimes paint or draw. The music I listen to is pure individual choice. It is something that belongs to me and it soothes me after a busy day.
Spirit~ The quiet time I intend to pursue MOST intentionally is the one that will feed my soul. Reading and studying the Old and New Testataments, listening to hynms and praise songs, praying for my family, friends, and world. Too often, I have left this important piece of who I am on the back burner, and I know I react poorly to the challenges of life because of it. My priority will be to make it an important DAILY act. A habit. A renewal.
Quiet Moments ~ I think I will have one now.
Reading ~ My sister bought me a Kindle as a retirement gift after 30 years of teaching. I never thought I would want an electronic gadget. How would I enjoy the crisp page turn, the familiar dog ear, the personalized bookmark in this modern marvel? Surprise! I love having a Kindle. The first book I downloaded was Heaven is For Real. Loved it and it made me think! Then, I downloaded The Help. I had planned on reading it in Book Club last fall but never got around to buying it. With the Kindle, it was a snap and I couldn't put it down. I am now planning a movie night with my friends who have read it, too. I have downloaded several more books and have rediscovered the quiet moment when the only sound you hear is the AC and you disappear into the story of the moment.
Music~ While my iPhone is a great tool for communicating, it also is my new link to music. I am able to download all my favorites: Michael Buble, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, and others. The familiar tunes create atmosphere. I can sing along as I do my nails, dust, apply make-up, or sometimes paint or draw. The music I listen to is pure individual choice. It is something that belongs to me and it soothes me after a busy day.
Spirit~ The quiet time I intend to pursue MOST intentionally is the one that will feed my soul. Reading and studying the Old and New Testataments, listening to hynms and praise songs, praying for my family, friends, and world. Too often, I have left this important piece of who I am on the back burner, and I know I react poorly to the challenges of life because of it. My priority will be to make it an important DAILY act. A habit. A renewal.
Quiet Moments ~ I think I will have one now.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Bride of the Moment!
Just a little over 28 years ago, she entered my life wailing and disrupting quiet evenings, but I never minded. There is just something about her. She sparkles and shines so brilliantly. And now, she is getting married.
Being the mom, I get to be more than an eyewitness. I get to be a participant; from choosing the wedding dress to looking at china, from finding a caterer to selecting centerpieces; I even watch her transform from giggly girl to a woman in love, ready to commit her life to another. Nothing is more precious.
Today we head over to Studio H for a practice run with her hair. It reaches past her waist and is currently a gorgeous shade of chocolate brown with beach blonde highlights. Stanley starts by curling her hair all over. With the giant bouncy curls, she is the epitome of "Texas" hair. We all laugh and remember that although she lives in Dallas, she is still a Houston girl at heart. With the deftness of a surgeon, Stanley is able to manipulate the curls into a twist, a style, and finally an amazing "do" that will be perfect for the ceremony. I, of course, happily snap away on camera and iPhone, spinning her chair like a carousel. I love this mother~daughter moment.
I once remember thinking, "Will I be a mom that can be there for both the trials and the triumphs?" I don't know how well I did, or how much credit I can take, but can I just say that she "made" it despite my own humanity.
She is the bride of the moment~ Missy~ I am so proud of the young woman you have become.
Being the mom, I get to be more than an eyewitness. I get to be a participant; from choosing the wedding dress to looking at china, from finding a caterer to selecting centerpieces; I even watch her transform from giggly girl to a woman in love, ready to commit her life to another. Nothing is more precious.
Today we head over to Studio H for a practice run with her hair. It reaches past her waist and is currently a gorgeous shade of chocolate brown with beach blonde highlights. Stanley starts by curling her hair all over. With the giant bouncy curls, she is the epitome of "Texas" hair. We all laugh and remember that although she lives in Dallas, she is still a Houston girl at heart. With the deftness of a surgeon, Stanley is able to manipulate the curls into a twist, a style, and finally an amazing "do" that will be perfect for the ceremony. I, of course, happily snap away on camera and iPhone, spinning her chair like a carousel. I love this mother~daughter moment.
I once remember thinking, "Will I be a mom that can be there for both the trials and the triumphs?" I don't know how well I did, or how much credit I can take, but can I just say that she "made" it despite my own humanity.
She is the bride of the moment~ Missy~ I am so proud of the young woman you have become.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Letting Go...
Okay, sometimes things don't go our way. We set out on our path and expect everyone else to understand our vision and our goal, but they are wearing different glasses or looking a different direction. I have to bite my tongue in these situations (although sometimes not quick enough) and not say too much! But when is it okay to expect something from others? And how do we determine that ability to communicate our need without offending the friend, family member, or co-worker?
I am still a work in progress, believe me, but I am starting to discover three very important truths: 1. Wait for emotions to settle before communicating your needs. 2. Actually explain to the other person what you need and why it is important. 3. Letting go once you have shared your need and moving on without recriminations, hurt feelings, or embarrassment.
Once I have moved on, I realize that my truths and perspectives are just that~ mine. I can only hold myself accountable for my words and actions. Luckily, my faith in God helps to temper me, because although I am not red-headed, my temper can be. He is always there to help me say and do the right things, or to at least make amends when I don't.
So, now, I am letting go of the prickles and the burrs, and exchanging them for a cup of tea and a good book. Letting go... ahh. It feels so devine.
I am still a work in progress, believe me, but I am starting to discover three very important truths: 1. Wait for emotions to settle before communicating your needs. 2. Actually explain to the other person what you need and why it is important. 3. Letting go once you have shared your need and moving on without recriminations, hurt feelings, or embarrassment.
Once I have moved on, I realize that my truths and perspectives are just that~ mine. I can only hold myself accountable for my words and actions. Luckily, my faith in God helps to temper me, because although I am not red-headed, my temper can be. He is always there to help me say and do the right things, or to at least make amends when I don't.
So, now, I am letting go of the prickles and the burrs, and exchanging them for a cup of tea and a good book. Letting go... ahh. It feels so devine.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Last School Bell...
August 4th, 2011
Summer is winding down and for the first time in 30 years, I am not putting up bulletin boards, writing lesson plans, or attending a week of inservices. I have created a treasure of more than a thousand student names in both my memory and my soul, but I will not be part of the new Texas "STAR" testing, looking for ways to integrate curriculum, or signing up for Sunshine Club, Social Studies Cadres, or professional teaching organizations...
So just what am I supposed to feel? So many of my friends have asked if I am sad, and surprisingly, I am not. How many opportunities does one have to celebrate thirty years of the perfect job! And yes, I mean the PERFECT job.
I received a text from a student's mom today that just said, "You are beautiful. You are loved. Thank you for being a blessing teaching my son." How can I receive a message like that and not feel that my journey was worth the hairpin curves, the U-turns, or the roadblocks of the last three decades?
To the teachers that remain in the classroom... stay true to your journey. You will discover such amazing truths along the way. You will cherish the lit up eyes of a student as he understands more than just a concept; he discovers a joy for learning. Write down the small successes and look back to them on the days that seem long. They are sweeter than chocolate and have tons fewer calories.
The last school bell has rung in the hallways for me, but oh, I will carry the laughter from the classrooms for the rest of my life.
Summer is winding down and for the first time in 30 years, I am not putting up bulletin boards, writing lesson plans, or attending a week of inservices. I have created a treasure of more than a thousand student names in both my memory and my soul, but I will not be part of the new Texas "STAR" testing, looking for ways to integrate curriculum, or signing up for Sunshine Club, Social Studies Cadres, or professional teaching organizations...
So just what am I supposed to feel? So many of my friends have asked if I am sad, and surprisingly, I am not. How many opportunities does one have to celebrate thirty years of the perfect job! And yes, I mean the PERFECT job.
I received a text from a student's mom today that just said, "You are beautiful. You are loved. Thank you for being a blessing teaching my son." How can I receive a message like that and not feel that my journey was worth the hairpin curves, the U-turns, or the roadblocks of the last three decades?
To the teachers that remain in the classroom... stay true to your journey. You will discover such amazing truths along the way. You will cherish the lit up eyes of a student as he understands more than just a concept; he discovers a joy for learning. Write down the small successes and look back to them on the days that seem long. They are sweeter than chocolate and have tons fewer calories.
The last school bell has rung in the hallways for me, but oh, I will carry the laughter from the classrooms for the rest of my life.
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