. . .from my retirement party. I thought it was going to be different, more about the kids getting together again, and less about my retirement from teaching. But it wasn't like that at all.
Students from as far back as the Class of 1997 came and each one made me remember the good old days. I know there were many difficult times in my 31 years of teaching, but they have been forgotten, and only the good memories are clear as a bell. It was amazing to see so many kids that have thrived, and are successful, and for that I am blessed to still have them in my life.
I got small gifts from kids that I never expected would think to buy me a present. I got cards of gratitude that let me know that I had truly made a different in their lives. I got lots of hugs and warm wishes. I got a book from Maribel, by Shel Silverstein, that was colored in, with a note that made me smile and brought tears to my eyes. And then there were gifts that were given with much for-thought, that expressed the real meaning of gift giving. And through it all, I was loved, and who can ask for more than that.
Thank you to everyone that came and offered congratulations for a job well done. To my students, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my friends, all who enriched my life, and helped me find myself, THANK YOU, for making the evening very special.
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