Fast forward to this summer. I was invited to a lovely gathering--a reunion of teachers, many of them retired, with whom I had worked with during those fifteen years. It had been years since I had seen many of them. Some I see regularly, like at the grocery store or sporting events, and others I see on Facebook. But there are some I had literally not laid eyes on for years. We talked about kids and grandkids, moving to new places, travels, and other new adventures. We shared a delicious brunch and pictures of babies young and grown. I haven't worked in that school for ten years now, but in that moment, with those friends, I felt like I had never left. It felt like home.
When I first started that job, I was one of the "younger" teachers. I was taken in, mentored, and befriended. I was welcomed with open arms. And over the years, those friendships grew. These ladies saw me through the birth of my two children and the death of a parent. They supported me and encouraged me and guided me. They invited me into their groups to play golf and card games and to read books together. They became my family. We laughed together, cried together, worked together, and played together. All of this in AND out of school. Though we are no longer together each school year, I carry these friends with me in my heart, whether we are sharing a brunch or hundreds of miles apart.
And just a few days ago, as the teachers met for the first day in my current school, I felt at home all over again. I felt like I was with family. And I believe every teacher needs that. My wish for your school year is to open your hearts and minds to all the people around you. Make sure to find some time to get out of your room and down the hall. Eat lunch with other teachers. Smile. Say hello. Take someone under your wing. Invite your colleagues for an adventure outside of school. You simply never know what beautiful thing may grow, including your heart.
Have a wonderful, friendship filled year!
