I did it.

I said goodbye to my babies and my families. Not without a million tears, of course. But I did it.

It wasn’t easy.

I’ve watched these kids grow so much over the past three years.

Kids, who were once unable to identify all letter sounds, are now caught up to a 4th grade reading level because of their persistence and investment in their growth.

Kids, who once lost faith and hope in their ability to learn, are now able to understand that their brain processes information a little differently and so they advocate for what they need.

Kids, who used to have social anxiety, are now so comfortable interacting with others having found a sanctuary in their classroom.

Kids, who used to elope from the classroom and run down toward the street, are now able to identify what it is that they need and communicate it to an adult to help them.

We burned the bridges between school and home.

We became more than just teachers and students to one another.

We formed a family.

 

So, making my way through the family yesterday to say my goodbyes was a very, very emotional experience.

But in the words of A.A. Milne…

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.