“It was as if something shook the library shelves of my brain and forgotten books fell open on the floor”
-Susan Moon
5th grade culmination 1997. I had just completed my first year of teaching. Top photo is of myself and the other 5th grade teacher. It was October 1996 and we were in the mountains for a week-long camping trip with our classes. One of these lovely young women sent me an email last year and it was literally the highlight of my entire teaching career.
Now it’s Thursday and I’m completely finished. Last week, another dinner with former administrators Cheuk, Wing, and Sal : The Good Guys. My friends and teachers – Glen & Tammie.
And dear sweet Momo, my first friend when I came to Chinatown 11 years ago.
The sun has just risen on Los Angeles. Day 1 of retirement. It’s quiet and peaceful. I can hear birds through the open windows. Soon I’ll go on a walk. There’s a group of matilija poppies I have a meeting with later.
This was on my porch when I arrived home on Tuesday – my last day with the students. As previously mentioned, I wasn’t feeling sentimental, just RELIEVED. I had a very challenging group this year. It was one thing after another all year long. I only had a more challenging group one other time – in 2012. That was the year I took a year off and went to Venice. But now, I am gratefully done.
Expect postcards and smoke signals. Update me with news from your world. xo
