LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

This has been a day of reminicing.  I have been teaching for 14 years in Gilmer County, GA.  The first nine years were at GMS (Gilmer Middle School), then off to CCMS (Clear Creek Middle School) for four years and then back to GMS for my last year. 

Reflecting back on my teaching career in Georgia brings both smiles and tears.  Smiles from so many wonderful experiences with so many wonderful people; and tears because I miss so many of my students as they have left me and gone on to finish school and get "a life." 

I remember my first class of 8 self-contained children.  They were both a blessing and a challenge.  I remember how my Samantha would climb under the desk and expect me to climb under there with her (she was really trying to hide).  I did climb under there once, and realized that was her pleasure; never did it again.  I remember her blonde hair, blue eyes and a precious smile.  In another year, I remember David, a dark haired boy who couldn't read but wanted to so badly.  He did leave my class being able to  read; and actually helped his dad to learn to read!  I've seen him in Walmart with his wife and daughter.  I feel rewarded when I think of him.  There are so many others that stick in my mind but this blog would go on forever.  I do have to mention Jimmy.  Jimmy was one of my favorites.  He was one of those kids that you loved and disliked at the same time!  He'd do things that he knew would upset me, but always had a "reason" why he did it.  He is graduating this year and I feel proud to have been his teacher for one year.  I love that boy. 

There are a lot of students who were not on my caseload, just normal kids that were in my inclusion classes that I absolutely love.  This year I was blessed with one of the best inclusion classes I've ever had. 

Just some of the kids were Luke, Samantha, Jenny, Mackenzie, Mateo, ... oh I could name them all.  They were all so special.  But its time to say good bye and they will continue their journey to 7th grade next year and on to their future.  We are both walking into our future, but in different directions.  They are beginning and I am retiring (good way of putting it). 

I look forward to our retirement; our RV life on the road.  It sure is easy to clean!  I'm planning our first major trip and know that it will change along the way.  I am a planner and Burl wants to be spontaneous.  Ok, we can do this.. I'll plan, he'll change it!  We can live with that. 

The 6th grade teachers gave me a beautiful glass plaque.  It says, "A teacher affects eternity; he or she can never tell where their influence stops."  I cried because that has always been my wish; to affect my students and hopefully in a positive way.  I love being a teacher and will always be a teacher, just one that travels the country!  I'll find children along my path that will need encouragement or direction and I'll be there to offer what I have. 

God has blessed us so much and I can't give him enough glory for what He's done in our lives.  He is the reason we can have this time together.  He is the reason we have health and enough money to travel.  He is the reason we live.  I give all glory and honor to my Heavenly Father. 

I thank all of you who have touched MY life and helped me walk this journey.  Many of you are much younger than me, some older and some about the same age.  YOU ALL have made a difference in my life.  I love you all and will end this blog with:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3: 5, 6