A Bittersweet Farewell

Wednesday evening, Birdie and I attended a going away gathering for a dear friend to me and teacher to the lovelies. She was their Gifted/Talented teacher in elementary school. That's her on the left. On the right is one of the funniest, sweetest people you could ever hope to meet-AND my new walking buddy!

In our schools, the GT program is called SAIL (Students Actively Involved in Learning) and the students get to go to the class several days every week. In our entire district...no, county...there is none better at teaching these kids. None. Nada. Zip.

She was, hands down, THE best. I doubt anyone will ever surpass her.

I loved the way she told the kids that they were gifted but the minute they acted special and better than everyone else, she would remove them from the program that very second.

She taught them how to think for themselves. She allowed them to make discoveries for themselves. She challenged them and encouraged them and guided them all with love, care and patience. Which is not easy with these kids- all thinking outside the box because they aren't aware that there is a box...

Through the years- from kindergarten through their senior year in high school, the lovelies have been touched by some of the most amazing teachers I've ever come to know.

Wednesday, we were privileged enough to be amongst some of them.

Not all of those in attendance taught the lovelies but they still touched our lives in a positive manner. It was because we were a huge family back then- all of us- students, teachers, staff, parents, the principal...we all worked tirelessly- together. See the one in the black and white stripe top? She was the one who recognized Breezy's artistic talent.

When I saw Breezy, Deanie and Birdie's kindergarten teacher (all three of them had the same one) I asked Birdie if she remembered being a kindergarten student. "YES!" she replied. "I remember loving Mrs. B!" That's Mrs. B getting the food ready to be devoured! And, yes, I got rather sentimental remembering all those elementary school years...

DoodleBug's kindergarten teacher was there too. MM is the reason DoodleBug has always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. She is now in her senior year as an Early Childhood Education major- how's that for influence?! That's MM on the right.

The influence of these wonderful women on my daughters has lasted through all the years. The solid foundation that they helped lay for the lovelies has been beneficial is many different ways--life lessons, if you will. See the one in the orange-ish top? She gave us our golden retriever, Buddy, that we had for 13 years. The one to the right of her? I could do an entire post on her and it would take you hours to read it. She is amazing and that word doesn't really do her justice. The one to the left of SB? Only the best elementary school librarian ever!

All of these women went beyond the extra mile. They left those merely going the extra mile in their wake (not dust--we are coastal after all..) The one on the right? If she ever retires, the school will crumble. She's the glue.

They were kind, compassionate, caring...

They never gave up on anyone or anything.

The lovelies and I love these women with all our hearts.

And, Suzanne, we will miss you terribly. But we wish you nothing but good things on this new adventure.

And that granddaughter who will be arriving soon? She's blessed a thousand times already just having you as her grandmother.
 
We love you!

Ok, here are the winners of the NuNaturals giveaway:

Manda

Deb

Jen

Amanda

Congrats to all four winners!
And a HUGE Thank You! to all who entered!