Day 896

I never go to schools without a leash in my hand! Today was an exception! I was invited to read one of my books to a group of kindergarten students in Monticello by one of my very own students from long ago! What an honor!

“Little Mac” was in mu multiage classroom for three consecutive years. In our program, we would have an even ratio of first, second and third graders each year. The third graders graduated, opening the door for the new eight or nine first graders the next fall. It was a revolving door, of sorts, allowing me to bond with a child for three years. It was a beautiful experience which granted me the chance to grow deeper relationships with the children and their families! There were families who had more than one child in my classroom through the years, so our bonds were strengthened over a large span of time

Little Mac (Kenzie) was the perfect student! She soaked in every little thing shared in class and, eventually, became a teacher herself. Watching her with her kindergarteners was a true joy! She was born to make the world a better place in this role! She warms my heart!

It has been an honor to be remembered over the years! At the Halloween parade, one of my students ran over for a hug as her family watched. This same lady invited us to her Halloween wedding a number of years ago! Now she runs in The Gray Ghost Race with her own children.

Recently, we were invited to a wedding where the groom was one of my students. This event led to an eventual dinner with the bride and groom, followed by another dinner with his lovely parents!

I have been to a number of celebrations with these cherubs of days gone by. Numerous graduation parties, wedding showers, weddings, baby showers and more! The trust these “children” placed in my hands is humbling and has made me a better person who simply basks in the glow of their wonderful journeys!

Teaching, although a noble profession, is not an easy one. I admire today’s educators deeply and with heartfelt gratitude for the work they do each day! When people ask me if I miss teaching, my response is always truthfully the same. “I miss the kids and the families.” They all remain a part of who I am and a big part of my heart. Lucky me!