Tomorrow begins the last week of school and it is quite bitter sweet. I’ve spent the last 10 years doing my best to encourage, teach and help others, especially the little people at my elementary school. Most of the time, I did it well. However, I’m far from perfect and some parents make my job (of being nice) extra difficult.
A 10 year old had walked 3 blocks to school. Her mother didn’t want her to walk home (the same 3 blocks). 20 minutes after school had been out, I called her mom to ask if she wanted the child to walk home. “No, she can wait in the office. (My office). I’ll be another 25 minutes. To which I said, ‘I’m not a babysitter.’ It was amazing how fast Mom got to the school. I’d like to say it was because she realized she was being rude, but she just wanted to get to school before the Principal left so she could tattle on me.
Luckily those parents are few and far between.
I will miss those little people who call me Miss Ellen. Who think I run the school or live in the library. To those who wave when they go through the hall or beam when I break the ‘rule’ and let them have an extra library book.
I will miss stepping in to do the morning announcements even though I don’t always stay on script. One day as I was in the middle of the announcements over the loud speaker, I was handed a note. “1 & 2 Boys” I knew what the message meant, but didn’t have time to add any finesse. I said, “First & Second grade boys. We have a problem. The bathroom’s a mess. Ahhh, stop peeing on the floor, it is no pee Friday!”
A few weeks ago, I started the morning announcement music with bagpipes and told the kids they were having haggis for lunch.
I will miss getting kids excited about books. I will miss helping our staff. I will miss being positive and a tad silly in the office with one of my Ellensburg Blessings, my BGF.
I will miss the loving gifts the kids make you. A necklace with a book charm on it. It was a tad too small and choked me a little bit, but it was a small price to pay. I’ll miss the birthday treats they share handed out with their grubby little hands.
I’ll miss making a difference (usually positive).
I have been so very blessed.
….and it will be tough to say ‘Good bye’.
The reality of your impending move makes me sad and at the same time I rejoice in the adventure of your move so far away.
I have lots of wonderful memories of our visit to Glory Farm, admiring your house renovations, time with the animals, the damn wind, THE husband’s cooking and most of all your love. 🧡Peggy O
Visits with you are always filled with love and I rejoice that God brought us together. I am so very glad you came and are part of my memories here as well.
I like to think your whole journey northward started with hand tools and building sets with FST. Those were the days. And Family Camp were the days… And now you’ll say the Farm & all the kidlets … those were the days. We’re all blessed for having known each other and having had so many ‘those were the days’ in our memories. Our grown children still talk about Easter in CV Park!! Thank you so much for sharing ‘these past 10 years of days’ with us. Looking forward to following you on the next decade!
Shelley
Those were the days…caroling and trains…those were the days….and so much more. Thank you for being part of our days even when we’ve been spread a bit by miles.
xo
Every new post gets me all teary eyed Ellen. These kids are so fortunate to have had you in their lives. I think of so many moments of cousin-joy you gave us all as kids and I can easily picture how much joy you have given the children at your school. They will always be grateful for you!
Cousin, thank you so much. The last year has held a treasured time for us. I am so grateful for it, almost as good as jumping in hay in the barn on the ranch! Looking forward to new kids to connect with in Scotland. xo
Sounds like you have made a wonderful impact on the entire school! These kiddies will remember you fondly all their lives.
Love the 1 & 2 Boys announcement!
I predict that you will find a new spot in Scotland that can use your care and love and special charms. Hugs!
Sweet Mims, thank you so much! I am making comments like, ‘we might need to live near a school…’
xo
Hugs for you (and the other half) as you go through the work of deciding what goes where.
Thank you Dear John….and selling almost everything else!