Goodbye, Little Ones

Saying goodbye is really no fun at all. Especially when it is sweet little ones you're watching walk out your door. I know, I know--we've made a difference, there will be more students, they'll visit. I try to stay strong. I bite my lip, make jokes, think about something--anything else in an unsuccessful attempt to take my mind off of the hole in my heart that comes hand-in-hand with the end of the school year. Regardless of my stone-cold effort and waterproof mascara, hugging my students good bye always brings on a teary, mascara-covered face. One would think I would get better at this kind of thing but nope, it still happens. Always.

Of course, the kiddos have no idea about my emotional state. They wave good bye with a skip, smile, and wave while I stand at the door watching them go whilst clutching a box of tissues. Maybe next year I'll be better. (I joke, I joke.)While all this teary mess could easily be summarized into a very compelling argument for me pursuing a less emotional career path, that is as likely as me not crying on next year's last day of school.

You couldn't drag me away from this work.

 

Today we said good bye to Rachael, the co-owner of Seedlings and my dear, dear friend. She created Seedlings so that her daughter would have the opportunity to attend an English-speaking preschool. Soon her family will return to Brooklyn. Seedlings will go on, but it certainly won't be the same without her. 

When will these good byes end?! This is torture.

Not that a caption is needed, of course, but for those of you who haven't seen me in awhile--this is me. Aside from the yarn hair I'd say her interpretation was spot-on.

As much as I'm sad, I'm equally grateful to have been a part of Seedlings' first year. This small, cozy business has served kids and families well. So well, that we mos def deserve this five free weeks we have coming to us. Something about the phrase, "School's out for summer" never gets old.