The end.

The most challenging year for teachers has come to a close-

Two months to recharge, for there'd be no way we could do what we do

without a summer's respite. 

We spend the year pouring our souls into students 

guiding them like lighthouses into adulthood

pointing them in the right direction

sometimes being a mother

or a coach

or an advocate

or just someone to listen 

They might not appreciate us now

but hopefully will one day remember us with fondness

as "That teacher who actually cared about me." 

or "That class I actually enjoyed because she made it meaningful." 

Rules change as education revolves around

scores and data and making progress,

rather than growing the child as a whole. 

It's easy to lose heart and give up.

(I'm pretty sure I've given up once or twice already...)

But sweet friends at school were always there to listen

when there were tears of frustration

or potty-mouth words

and of course, moments filled with joy 

I pray that this summer we would find the courage

to start over next year, to forget about this one and 

remember it only with fondness

the year that we built relationships with each other,

the year we truly connected with our students ,

the year we laughed until we cried at lunch,

the year we had Friday dance parties because we made it another week.

I know my life has changed for the better-

I've grown closer to God than I've been in a long time,

for when life gets challenging, I draw nearer to Him. 

Enjoy your summer, dear friends.

Milk it for all it's worth--

fill it with readingsleepingchildrenbeachpuppiestraveling

I'll be on the porch reading all summer, so you know where to find me

and as my momma says,

I'll see ya'll in the funny papers