I have been remiss in not sharing about my retirement and the retirement dinner. What a wonderful night it was.
First of all, most people from work (even those I have known since my first day of work at Palmetto Elementary) did not attend because the cost was $40/person. To my estimation, this is a small price to pay for almost 140 yrs (total of the 4 teachers retiring) of teaching. But I learned that it is not quantity but quality... and the people I wanted to be there, were there.
I bought 3 new dresses and some jewelry to try to decide what to wear... Silly me! I just wanted to look good! After all, 2 of my former students would be attending and my family. I was excited. I never wear heels because I can fall over on barefeet and I almost never wear make up because inevitably when I do, I end up shedding tears. But, I threw caution to the wind with both wondering if I would be the "main attraction" sprawled out on the floor with clown tears flowing down my cheeks.
I even splurged and had a mani/pedi done 2 hours prior to the event.
Now my guests of honor were very special to me. My brother Gary and his wife, Margie; My sister in law and her daughter (my other brother, Butch, was off training the Armed Forces about being fire fighters/paramedics); my "son", David who I taught in first and 2nd grade, and my "daughter", Debra, who has been special to me since she was born and I was teaching her sister. I then taught Debra 7 yrs later in 2nd grade. The important people in my life. My father is not comfortable in crowds so he would not go, and of course, Mesut and my 2 sisters live too far away. As I said, I was excited.
Four of us were retiring this year. My roommate, Barbara, Donna (I taught her daughter Sarah, now a teacher), Tim (Guidance Counselor and former 2nd grade teacher) and myself. I had the least amount of years with 30 and Barbara had 37 yrs. The others fell between. We were all smiling very big, knowing we would not be returning to the public education sector again (unless to volunteer or substitute).
When I got there, my family was 1/2 there but the other 2 came soon thereater. My son, David was next. So very handsome... he asked me prior what color I would be wearing so he could match...but his youngest son spilled milk on his brown shirt, so he had to change....still he is so handsome). Then Debra came. She had asked if she could bring her husband of 6 months so I could meet him and I was anxiously awaiting the newest member of "my little family"....but when she got there, Gil was not with her. Instead, she had Amber, her older sister, whom I had also taught. Happiness does not begin to express how much love I felt, surrounded by these "kids" and my extended family.
(Debra, David, me, Amber)
We were served an array of variously prepared poultry, fish, veggies, ziti, and the most decadent desserts.
After we were sated, the 4 retirees were "roasted" by our former principal and assistant principal as well as our current principal. We were laughing so hard at the "secrets" they were exposing to the guests about their loved ones.
The podium was then offered to anyone who wanted to speak. My son, David, and the girls went up to speak. It was heartwarming to know I had touched their hearts and lives and the impact I made upon them in their later years. The girls tried to speak but burst into tears. Amber hugged me and sobbed, stating, "You have ALWAYS been more than a teacher to us". That a tribute. What love!!!!
The microphone was then passed to me to speak. I didn't think I would be able to say anything (remember the tears of which I spoke)...but I did. God gave me the words and the relatively dry eyes. I told them I never wanted to be a teacher. I hated school... and I had a career... I was a nurse. But when I injured my back, my career had to change.... and teaching was all I could think of doing... so like it or not (and truly I was praying for a husband so I did not have to work...that didn't happen), I became a teacher.... and I found I was good at it. My main goal was to make sure the kids knew they were loved without measure and that learning was exciting and fun for them. (even until the last wk of school, I kept wondering when the principal (one of many) would finally discover I didn't know what I was doing as a teacher...but I loved my kids).
The evening ended but the memories remain. I feel as if I am only on Summer Break right now, but come August, when the kids and teachers go back to the classroom, I will begin to lament and miss my "babies". I will have to return to visit them. Maybe volunteer to read to a class for Literacy Day or Dr. Seuss' birthday... or just volunteer to go and talk and listen to a troubled child. I know I cannot let go totally. My heart has always been with the kids.... and will remain so until my death. I loved being a teacher!!!