My new classroom in my new building is situated at the very
end of a very long hallway. In
fact, it’s about as far from the office as one can get, which in years past
might have been a good thing.
I’ve spent many days these last few weeks unpacking, organizing,
decorating and acclimating myself to this new climate. There have been many lovely people
popping into my room to introduce themselves and I certainly have felt the
love. I’ve also kept a low
profile, just a bit too busy to assume the role of social butterfly that I’ve
come to know and love all these years.
Frankly, I’m still a bit out of my element. I’m the “new” girl. And while I’m not the fresh-faced
teacher right out of college, I still feel totally
like the new girl. I spent 21 years in one
building here in Smythe, Oregon. And then someone moved my cheese.
Yet through all of this “newness” I’ve felt an incredible
happiness in my heart, and lightness in my step. I feel as if a great weight has been lifted from my heart-
and I am embarking on an amazing adventure.
But there are moments; tiny moments when I still feel a bit alone
in this new, lovely building.
I’ve tried to walk down to the office each day- to at least
smile at the office staff and check my mailbox. The people I pass smile and the ladies in the office are always
welcoming.
The mailbox is always empty.
I’ve attributed this to the fact that I have chosen to
return to my maiden name, and many might not know this. I’m also new to the building, so most
of the book clubs, teacher resource supply stores and various other vendors don’t
know who or where I am. THAT, I
have found, is a good thing.
Today I made my daily walk, and when I poked my head into
the mailroom I saw it. There was an
envelope sitting in my mailbox! I
stared for a minute- a bit stunned - and then smiled and reached inside.
I quickly opened it and read this note.
I stood in the tiny mailroom and read the note over and
over. I wiped the tears from my
eyes and felt the tiny arms of my friend as he reached out to push me on my
way.
We find our courage in the most surprising places, don’t
we? Mine? It was right there hiding in my mailbox.
(Thank you, Jack.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.)
17 comments:
OK, so now you have me wiping away the tears. You are great!
Great way to start a new year, no? You are loved, and will be loved more every day you walk into your new classroom. I wish you the greatest year! I also wish I was one of the secretaries in the office at your school. You would make my day...every day!
The cheese may move but we find it always. Often tastier than before.
I only choked up a little reading this. A little.
Awwwwwww. Sweet. Glad he found you.
Wow. Those little ones REALLY know how to tug at the ol' heart strings huh? Glad his letter found you!
i am in the far building on campus...so i start the morning by visiting the office before my long walk....
What crap is this? That kid doesn't even know how to spell. You think your special just because... OK, I'm a 44 year old man and you had me gasping. Where is this kid so I can just give a hug and say something supportive, but ultimately meaningless. Shut up.
Casey
It is a very long hallway, but it's closest to the playground! My daughter is right across the hall, and I para downstairs, so I'll say, "hi," next week! Welcome to our wonderful school!
Ok, I already love TerraD, for leaving such sweet and welcoming comments here for you!!!
That note just did me in. I'm gonna blame it on hormones. Yeah...that's it...
sweetest kid ever!!
*sniff*
Damn you. Damn you for making me cry this early in the morning. What a little sweetheart that Jack is!
What a perfect drop of sunshine for you!
That is the sweetest letter, I am glad it reached you while you most need it
You have such a positive attitude about dealing with change...good for you! I hope you have a great year. I'm off to deliver tomatoes, peppers and onions to the high school for their taco salad lunch for the teachers. I am grateful that I don't have to go back to work, but I do have 17 days of substituting already booked. Guess I really can't leave it behind.
So sweet of Jack and of whomever made sure that got to you. Oh How I miss Kindergarten!
Frame that baby!
Oh how encouraging for you as you take on this new venue! As I've said, I'm pretty new to your group of followers. I didn't realize until today that you have been in Kindergarten. That's my grade, too.
You know what I thought about this move? You are free to decide who you want to present yourself as being to the new staff. If you were very social, but you want to pull back, now is the time. If you were the complainer, now you can recreate yourself. That's kind of exciting!!!!! New name, new school, new you!!!!
Good luck as you start school. If you are still teaching K, I can commiserate with you on those first days of tears, messy line-ups, kids peeing on the playground, and all the reasons a K teacher really needs 8 arms to begin the year!!!!!
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