woman's tags:
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.

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Comments

  • secretlife said on Dec 04, 2008....
    yes, i say that all the time- it will all be ok.
     
    i have an old love who's an addict-  his sister is one of my best friends.
    he lost his wife and 3 children years ago because of it-  he's lost jobs and all of his savings because of it.  The last time I asked about him he had to move back with him mother because he was homeless.  And his mother wasn't happy about it...in fact she was AFRAID of her own son and what he might do while living with her.
     
    it's just a sad sad affair. 
     
    but then there's those grandbabies and their kisses........and there is a beauty in life to help us put aside the sadness for awhile.
     
    it'll be ok.
  • quietone said on Dec 04, 2008....
    You have the same exact days left that a lady I work with has.  11 days.  We just gave her her retirement party last night.  She is all smiles every night before we go home she announces how many days left.  Yes, woman, it will be okay.  I think in a short time, you may find you even like this new life journey your are about to enter.  As for your friend, that is a terrible disease that only he can help himself out of.  I will pray for him. 
  • Lucytorial said on Dec 04, 2008....
    well woman, with all of these new experiences waiting you I'm sure that the sadness will eventually be replaced by reverie and memories very prescious.
     
    enjoy those moments left, the smells, smiles and tears.. LOL
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Secret~You always write so beautifully. I always feel that connection to you. Maybe not my twin with the age difference but certainly a soul sister. I know you get it. May a little of life's beauty show up for YOU today.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Quiet~It seems your coworker is excited and not at all conflicted about her departure. I have no doubt that you are right, when I have traveled through this passage, I will again be content. It's just the passage. And thank you for the prayers. I do believe that only God could turn his life around. You are always so kind. Thank you again.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Lucy. What smells??? You silly. Yes, each memory from school is precious and I will bring them all with me. As for new adventures. They are awaiting and if you weren't half way around the world, I'd bring you with me! Thanks Lucy.
  • fragglesrock said on Dec 05, 2008....
    my mom tells me that grandchildren love does take away sadness :)
  • beyondtheveil said on Dec 05, 2008....
    I hope you are handling the retirement ok. When I left work it was like losing a hundred friends. Once you get into your new life I think you'll like it. There is so much one can do. I get bored, but that's my fault.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Fraggie~Mom's right. Grandchildren are one of the lovely things about growing older.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Beyond~ I am not yet worried about my actual retirement. It is the leaving that is difficult. Leaving the children and friends. Difficult. How long have you been retired?
  • wishyouwerehere said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Woman - I can only imagine the mixed emotions in starting a new chapter like this.  It wasn't planned, but I am also off to new endeavors after the clinic closed.  New space in our lives leaves room to invite something wonderful.  Keep your arms and your heart open for what might be on the way - sounds like your grandbabies do a wonderful job in keeping you grounded.  My beautiful nieces and nephews are a poignant reminder for me to keep my focus on what is most important and precious.
     
    Hugs - Wishy
  • Hegemone said on Dec 05, 2008....
    I'm glad you've got those grandchildren.  Sounds like they're the perfect antidote to all of those low feelings you're having about making such a big change in your life.  I'm sorry to hear that an old friend of yours isn't doing well.  I hope at least that there is not much suffering involved.  I agree with you, you'll make it through all of this with flying colors and you'll have that much more experience to contain!  Take care.
  • mobil said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Change is the only thing that doesn't change, the rest sweeps us along with the tide.
     
    Grandchildren, now there is on of God's greatest blessings.....enjoy yours.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Wishy~So, we are both off on new adventures. It won't be easy but perhaps we can be excited. I'm glad you have nieces and nephews in your life. Children are the most wonderful treasure.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Hegemone~They are the perfect answer to any problem! My friend is in God's hands. It is very sad but perhaps there is hope. Thanks for writing.
  • woman said on Dec 05, 2008....
    Mobil~Yes indeed. You can always count on change! Nothing stays the same, ever. It's just the transition that seems so difficult for me. I will probably be posting about how much I love retirement in no time at all! And grandchldren, of which I have 7, are the sweetest blessing anyone could have. I am very close with all of them and I will have even more time to see them now.
  • sadsack said on Dec 06, 2008....
    I am a teacher, too and I know how the kids one teaches...the shy ones, the smart ones, the brats ....all of them...have a knack of worming their way right into your heart.

     You'll miss them, but I'm sure you have a whole  load of beautiful memories to take with you. ..and you have your grand children :-)

    I always feel I have been specially privileged in my job. After all, children are the most precious gifts we have...I'd rather deal with them any day than sit around pushing files or totting up accounts.
  • woman said on Dec 06, 2008....
    Sadsack~Exactly. My brother is a teacher also, and he is retiring in June with 35 years of teaching. We were talking last night about how forunate we were to be able to have a career working with children, shaping their futures, surrounded with their smiles and their love. I'll be ok, but I will miss many things about it.. Thanks for writing me.
  • sadsack said on Dec 08, 2008....
    35 years! Wow!Congratulate him on my behalf:-)
    I've finished 23 years.Several more to go. In my case the profession seems to be hereditary!
    Both  my parents, my sis and my brother were/are all teachers! In spite of the poor financial rewards I wouldn't trade jobs any day!
  • woman said on Dec 08, 2008....
    Two brothers, one nephew, one niece, and myself. We have some strong "bossy" teacher genes! It was an honor to know and impact each child I met. And now I tell myself~"on to the next adventure".

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