End of Term Malaise

I put up this shot of one of this year’s Gerber daisies to brighten my mood.

I worked all day today and don’t have to work tomorrow , as the testing that had been going on at school, and I had been assisting with, is over.

Quite honestly, when they had informed me of that, I was relieved because I sure can appreciate the down time. At the same time, I experienced an ache in my throat that spelled out one thing to me.

School is almost over. Gee.

I have been working for a few years as a class aide, but this was my first term as a substitute teacher. I came to this job thirty years too late. Hah! Actually, I can probably say that this job at almost sixty has been a blessing.

The blessing comes in a number of ways. I have never been more active as I have been this term, an I also have been moving with more of a purpose. It is coincidental that my dietician visits help give me more incentive to knock retirement weight off, but also the students I deal with help. I mean, seriously ? I have never picked up some many pencils off a floor in my life. The great thing about that is my back isn’t talking back to me when I do that. I have to admit that is a pretty good feeling. The satisfaction of having students listen and actually give me positive me feedback, and even questions, was good for my soul. My years of education and the subject matter actually was translatable, and I was glad for that. Between Jim taking me in and me walking home, I am working on getting some muscle tone back that has been sadly missing for a while. I could go on and on.

Most of all, the students are awesome in their own way. As I type this and remember that they will be going on to a new grade with new teachers, maybe some of them will remember their own Mrs. C.

I know I sure won’t forget them. Hey, I read “Good-bye Mr. Chips”. I know what it’s all about.

Class dismissed.