They’re gone
The kids left at 11:30 today and only two good-byes made me teary. Greg and Celina.
Greg is a boy who everyone would look at and see that he’s a special needs child. But he is one of the most loving and sweetest children I have ever encountered. He has a huge crush on me, and we had a special lunch together in my office last week, just the two of us.
When my father died he made me a card that said "I miss you every day". It made me cry.
His mother arrived yesterday with a thank you gift, and I wasn’t even one of his actual teachers. She gave each of us a red white and blue basket that had cloth napkins, margarita glasses, bath gel, a cute scrunchy for showers, and a massager. It was so thoughtful of her.
Greg came to say goodbye and practically sat on my lap and squeezed me to death with his hug. I got very teary at that.
Celina has been one of my kids for two years and as she was crying and hugging me good-bye she said, "this is like death!" That one got to me too. Everyday with Celina has been a challenge. She came to me in the fourth grade, reading on an early first grade level, and is leaving reading on a fourth grade level. She still can’t spell to save her life, but I know I’ve done a good job helping her.
I got a bunch of other loot.
One mother called my friend who teaches at the middle school to find out what I like because she was sick of giving me candles and mugs (which I actually do like!). Her son Patrick is another one of the kids I’ve had for two years (most of the kids I only have for one). Patrick is physically about the size of a second grader because he has a pacemaker. They got me a rubber stamp of Pooh and Tigger and it's called "Pals Forever". This one brought a tear to my eye as earlier in the year when his mother was asking which teachers came into his room he listed them and left me out. She asked him if I ever came, and he said, "Yeah but she's not a teacher she's my pal."
One of the prettiest gifts I received was an old-fashioned glass pitcher that was filled with napkins and lemonade mix and a couple of movies passes. I love the gift, but I really loved the presentation! I also got a very a very pretty hand painted bowl, a Yankee candle scented with hyacinth, note cards, a mirror on a stand that is surrounded by dried flowers, and a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.
The note that came with the gift certificate was really touching. It came from the mother of the little girl who was my student for that reading program, and it was so complimentary.
It said:
You have been a wonderful friend and teacher to C this year and we truly appreciate all your help. It was a lucky thing for C that you needed a student and now we don’t want to give you up.
Thanks for the encouraging phone calls with good news about her progress. I truly rejoiced when I heard your last words of wisdom. You have been a great support for me also and I will miss you.
C has never been happier at school and I know that’s a reflection of the people around her. Your encouraging words of advice and your sense of humor were very important in making C more confident and work more efficiently (most of the time). You have the magical combination of humor and skill to connect with her. I could use what you have!
Thanks so much for everything, even the yummy Peppermint Patties!! She got better at sharing with her oink-oink mother too! We’d still love to take you out to lunch or go to the mall with you. Let us know if you’ve got time this summer.
Have a great summer – we’ll miss you!
And on the back of the card C added "Thank you for being the best teacher"
Things like that make each day worthwhile.
Listening to: Don Henley
Reading: Acts of Love
Weather: 60, overcast
Trivia: What formal wearing apparel, never before worn in public, led to the arrest of James Hetherington in England in 1797?
The top hat. The charge was that he "appeared on the public highway wearing upon his head a tall structure of shining luster and calculated to disturb timid people." Pity people can't be arrested for such behavior today.
Cool word: abduct (ub-DUCT) To take a person away secretly and illegally, often by use of force; to kidnap.
frowzy (FROW-zee) - Sloppy, unkempt, or stale.
"Lynne was fond of using outrageous stories to explain her slack behavior, but when she claimed to have been abducted by aliens to explain why she came in two hours late for work looking extremely frowzy, everyone felt she had really outdone herself."
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ARIES
Take a long hard look at the terms and conditions of any documents to do with your home and long term security. Careful examination of the small print can reveal ways that you can benefit potentially, or you may be able to increase your exposure to possible gain by getting some more favorable conditions inserted into arrangements like insurance's and mortgages. Be prepared to dig deep and find out exactly where you stand. Coming-home party indicated -- rely on Libra who promised to help. Maintain emotional equilibrium. What you are doing will be appreciated. Sing a song.
Travel, study and spiritual issues could all be in the spotlight for you today. If you open your mind to some new ideas right now, it should prove to be a great learning experience. And if you find yourself presented with an unexpected challenge from a sibling or a neighbor, just try to remain as flexible as possible. You might find that responsibilities are heavier than usual around the office today--getting organized and staying focused should help! And you might want to consider devoting some time to a worthy charity.