School's Out Forever

I finished my last day of work at my current school. As I walked out of the front doors, got in my car and drove away, I knew it would be the last time I would do this as an employee. The next time I see my school will be the day it is torn down. I am sadder than I care to think about this.

This was my third school in a sixteen year career. I taught there for six years, which is the same amount of time I taught at my previous school, but the experiences were like night and day, frankly. My last school, I left my keys on my desk and simply walked out of the school. No last goodbyes, no farewells, nothing. I was glad to be gone.

Leaving my current school is a completely different story. Perhaps it is my age, or the experiences I had while there, but it breaks my heart to see the school closed forever. In my time at this school, I lost a sister, my mother, and a brother. I have seen my daughter stumble and plummet, my son gather himself, and my health falter. I have been injured badly, and am still working to recover. I have witnessed a horrid custody battle that cost my eldest grandchild dearly, and the birth of a second grandchild. Through it all, my work has been a constant, as well as a source of comfort.

There are people who I will hold dear for having met them while working here. Of them all, the secretary holds the dearest place in my heart. She has listened to me, counselled me, sympathized, empathized, and been more of a surrogate mom to me than my mom was a mother to me. When Mom died, this woman was there. She has called me at home to check on me, she worried about me, and she is the one person I will miss so very very much. Yes I will miss Peggy, Lawrence, Deanna, and Brian, just as I already miss Lynette, Amanda, Kirby, and Val. But the secretary knew it all, and still cared.

I wish there was a miracle that could happen, but I know there is not.