End of a Season

The school year ended today.  The 28 seven and eight year-olds that I spend 7 hours a day with and have watched grow academically, physically and emotionally are no longer my responsibility.

It's a relief to release the burden of their education and growth on to someone else, but it is also a bit of a loss.  I know these kiddos so well.  I know how to get them to do what they don't want to do.  I know how to push them to their best, I know where their buttons are, I know when they get scared and why.  I have walked with them on this adventurous journey for 9 months.  During the school year, we spend more time together during the week than we spend with our families.

It is the end of a season.  It is time for them to move on to 3rd grade.  It is time for me to rest up so I can do it all over again next year. 

Parts of this season have been difficult.  The adjustment from independent 6th graders to not so independent 2nd graders last fall, 6 weeks off of work, back surgery, trying to catch up after losing 6 weeks, tired days, and grumpy days.  But, part of the season, a larger part, has been amazing.  I love it when my students are proud of their own work.  I love it when they have been struggling and finally overcome.  The victory on their face is immeasurable.  I love it when they start taking responsibility for things they once let others take responsibility for. 

On this day I am happy to be entering summer, but also aware I will miss being a part of those kiddos lives.  I remember that seasons end.

Whether a season is good or bad or a little of both, it will end.  It is a constant reminder to live in each moment and each day.  It is a constant reminder that the moment will not last.  Whatever we are going to take from it, we must take quickly. 

When I was 16 I was aware I would not have my special grandma forever.  I also knew that one day I would go to college, get married and have a family.  While I had time and the ability, I made time for my grandma.  I set aside time in my week to play games with her, eat Almond Roca and enjoy each other's presence.  Later, when I couldn't visit every week, I still had the relationship so when I did see her it was special and amazing. 

I can't control when the moments come or go, but I can make sure I don't wish them away or waste them when they come.  Once you look back on the moment that passed, it is more precious than rare gems.  Don't let it pass unnoticed.