The Last Day of School

There is much rejoicing at my house because today was the last day of school.  But there is sadness, too, because today, I lost one of my very best friends.  I mean, who wouldn't want to come to work every day and work with this?

Seriously. :)

I started teaching seven years ago.  I was hired in December to finish out the year for a teacher who had been elected to the state legislature.  Lindsey was very pregnant and on my first day she brought in a sonogram picture to our team meeting.  I remember thinking how much I didn't want to be pregnant.  On my second day I tried to throw an empty plastic water bottle in the trash from across the room.  I hit Lindsey square in the forehead.  I apologized and tried to explain that I wasn't an athlete.  She was an athlete and numerous sports all through school.  I wasn't sure we'd ever be friends.

And now, seven years later, I don't know how I'm going to survive next year without her.  She's everything you would look for in a co-worker.  She's the first one I go to when I have a problem with a kid, or am frustrated with a parent, or need someone to bounce ideas off, or just vent.  She is responsible, reliable, and extremely efficient.  She cares about kids and wants to challenge them.  But more than all those things, she is a friend.  And I am going to miss her every day.  She's not quitting entirely - in fact, as everyone keeps (obnoxiously) pointing out, she's only moving across the building to work as a gifted facilitator.  It could be much worse.

Walking out of the building today, driving home, and then arriving to my husband's waiting arms (he's such a good guy and knew just how hard this day was going to be), I cried.  Sobbed.  Tears, shaking shoulders, headache - the works.  I can't imagine my job without her.

But I am happy for her.  I know she will be so great at her new job.  And this will be an excuse to hang out more this summer.

So Lindsey, I wish you the very best.  I have learned so much from you and am excited for you in this new journey.  Please remember to come see me next year!