Kid: “Why can’t you take off the brace?”
Me: “I’m at risk for getting hurt again. If I fell over or someone gave me a really, really hard high five, my hand could break again.”
K: “If you bleed?”
M: “Bleeding won’t make my bone again.”
K: “Sneezing?”
M: “Sneezing won’t break my hand again.”
K: “What about talking to the door?”
M: “… sure.”
Today was both happy and sad. I was happy to be done because the kids are absolutely nuts, and I’m exhausted after these last eight days; however, I was saddened because these kids are actually some of the sweetest, most lovable people on this planet. Case in point – one of the kids brought gifts for Ms. Reichlen and Mrs. Cohen and, surprisingly, also gave me a thank you card, something I totally did not expect to happen.
It’ll be weird not going to Reedy Creek tomorrow to see all of their smiling faces. I’ll miss standing in the hallway, saying “good morning” to all the students that walk by. I’ll miss the cheers of “yay, you’re with us today!” I’ll miss the hilarious conversations. I’ll miss the special education students who loved my colorful hair and would come up to me saying, “Teacher, did you know I missed you?” I’ll even miss having to tell the students to sit down and be quiet fifty billion times each day.
As the students left today, each and every one of them gave me a huge hug goodbye. I hope they all continue to thrive in life and continue to strive for their goals, and I hope that I’ll be able to see them all again one day.
