As a teacher without a classroom and a parent with adult children I always have mixed emotions this time of year.
It was the start of school, but not for me.
Teachers organized their rooms;
I organized my closet.
Teachers sat in PD’s and staff meetings;
I sat on my couch and in waiting rooms.
Teachers bought school supplies;
I bought stuff for dinner.
Teachers planned and packed their lunches;
I set up lunch dates with friends.
Teachers photocopied and laminated;
I pinned and gardened.
Teachers decorated their home away from home;
I watched decorating shows.
Teachers were excited to meet their new students;
I was sad I didn’t have any new students to meet.
Parents bought their children school supplies;
I watched my daughter shop for and buy her own.
Parents bought new school clothes for their children;
I kept my credit card in my wallet.
Parents packed snacks and lunches for their children;
I put the old lunch boxes in storage.
Parents comforted and consoled their nervous children;
I watched mine leave without looking back.
Parents were nervous for their children's first day of school;
I was sad my children would have no more first days of school.
Parents drove their children to school;
I watched mine drive away.
It was the start of school, but not for me.
Oh, I am right there with you! I retired last year and it is such a strange feeling when school starts. I have to admit I miss the anticipation of meeting new kids, setting up the classroom, etc.
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