And it’s done….

Tuesday, June 7 #sol

I handed in my key and ID card. I dropped off the computer, cord & dongle. These were the last chores in my retirement to-do list. In the last month I have….

• Sorted through 35 years of materials (Truth be told, I started this about 2.5 months ago. Just finished last week. I hate sorting…
• Signed & returned official paperwork. I am really hoping I didn’t miss anything!
• Sorted through bins of books for old and falling part ones. The students and a friend helped with this one.
• Took down all the posters & signs (again with help).
• Pulled out all the third grade materials & shared what I could.
• Boxed up all the fourth grade materials so they can be moved to the room that will be the fourth grade room next year.
• Tried REALLY hard not to bring home too much. Failed in that, but brought home less than I thought I would.
• Had the last ever morning meeting that I started with the bell that was my mom’s. Wow, did that make me teary!
• Had a closing circle where kids shared what they felt they worked on the most this year. Got to hear some amazing answers – this actually deserves its own post.
• Hugged/fist bumped my last ever group of fourth graders as they headed out the door.
• Said good-bye, I mean, see you later to amazing friends and colleagues. This was by far the hardest.

I feel such a sense of loss, which is weird, because it’s a retirement, not a death. And yet, in some ways it is a loss, since I’ve lived as an elementary teacher for so long! I handed over part of my identity with my keycard.

Yes, I am ready for it – I am so exhausted I often don’t sleep all night. Yes, we have fun things planned even though Greg will still be working for a while. Yes, I know I will love retirement, and I am excited.

And wishing I didn’t feel like part of me is gone.

My empty room, boxed and ready for another teacher to enjoy it. I’ll miss you!