The Last Day

Today was the last day of school. Everyone was ready and excited. I watched as classroom of kids danced continuously in the dark with glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets to the Dance Dance Videos. Others played board games all over the room while some created masterpieces with chalk on the still damp sidewalk. I saw more sugar consumed today than at a country fair as they made snow cones and sundaes while eating cookies and cupcakes with extra high icing. The laughter streamed down the hall ways as everyone basked in the glory that summer was just around the corner. Veteran teachers who never shed a tear today dabbed gently at their eyes as they knew these precious little ones would never be theirs again. The remnants of the May 20th tornado still vivid in their minds. Then the bell rang. Kids poured out of the rooms with eager anticipation of a summer ready to start. I noticed a strange sight of a few. Boys who had been in trouble all year and said they hated school had their heads bowed as they walked and their tiny shoulders heaved up and down. I stopped one then another to ask what was wrong? As they lifted their head with sweat matted hair I saw the tears running down each chubby cheek. I will miss her Mrs. Selby. Who I inquired thinking some sweet little girl with golden blond pigtails. My teacher they would reply. I love her so much and don't want to leave. And then another round of tears would start to fall. I hugged each one and assured them they would see her again and next year they would fall just as deep in love with their new teacher. I patted their heads and told them we would miss them but to have a good summer and come back soon. Each boy would nod and wipe at the tear stained cheeks with the backs of their hands and began the trek to the bus or car. How strange that yesterday she nagged or was too mean but today when faced with a future without her she became the most important person. His first love besides mom. He will miss her and come back every year to visit and say Do you remember me? And as he grows tall and becomes a man she will always see him as the little boy who yes took so much extra time but how it was worth it to see the man he has become. Yes, that first love helped to shape his life. He owes so much to her. But for right now he is heartbroken and knows he will never have a teacher as good as she is. Soon the summer days will fade and he will head back to school, to a new room and for her a new group of kids. Each will smile fondly at each other when they pass in the hall. Soon the cycle starts over but for today he cries to leave her and she thanks God for his precious life as she packs her things and prepares to walk out the door. For each one of the teachers in my boys'lives. Thanks for shaping them and loving them even when they could be a little unlovable.