Today was full. I realized there were only 11 more days of having a class full of children waiting to greet me each morning. Waiting to share their lives with me. I have moments when I am ok about it and even see the good things, but still... Today I cleaned. I want my room to be inviting to the new, young teacher who will be taking over. I have been throwing things away each day. Warned the custodian to just toss what I put in the trash and not to question me! (He's a sweetie.) I also bring home a few items each day. Little things like mugs or a book that I can't part with. But today I cleaned. I moved shelves, books, computers, and with cleaner borrowed from my custodian friend, I made everything fresh and shiney. The kids pitched in and together we prepared for "company". It felt a lot more productive than being sad. I was sad for other reasons today. A friend called and told me about her brother being hospitalized for alcohol addiction and depression. Her brother was an old love of mine and it breaks my heart to see what has happened to him. He is brilliant. He is a wonderful doctor. He is kind and talented and fading away. Each time I see him there is less of him and more of the disease. My friend is grieving for the brother she once had and questioning herself as she works to get him into a program. And so the day seemed full of loss and sad news until my grandchildren crawled into my lap and covered me with kisses, telling me they were so glad I was home. They love me, so how can I not be full of hope and gratitude for all that is good and new and fresh in this world. It will all be fine.



