Graduation Weekend...

...is sooo different this year. First, I'm not leaving Relay at 3:30 AM to get to it. Second, I'm going to wear a dress. Third, I appreciate it more.

I've had this weekend eyed in my mind since I took the job teaching at Farmington in September. I knew this weekend would mark the end of 'teaching' for the year (final SOLs are Monday then it's tons of field trips, game days, etc) and would mark the end of college. What a paradox?

I'll mark the end with the way I began it. I'll be spending the weekend at the T & D Bed and Breakfast, where I was happily bunking before I moved home. I'll spend it with the people I love--Curry soulmates, my family (including the Williams), childhood siblings who are graduating from undergrad (Only Kat & Jenna), and many other special people. I would have not survived the situation I put myself into this past year coupled with my first year of teaching without these people.

Today was full circle. I got a flower arrangement sent to the school saying "Congratulations...Love, Farmington." This means a lot to me, since most of the people at this school raised me and reared me. My first grade teacher is diagonal from my classroom. It it was in her class that I wrote "I have a dream to help kids read." The office staff, principal, and assistant principal, all of who were there when I was there, were truly filled with joy and celebration for me. Isn't it an educator's dream to see students attack life and to graduate college? It was the fruits of their labor. I hope to experience it one day. Full circle moments.

Christina and I had wonderful days. I especially loved her and Rebecca video-chatting my class and the phone conversation we had about how we are overflowing with joy for life.

Moral of the Story: I am blessed.

Full circle moment...this is my friend's (who was teaching my grade when I was at the middle school) daughter...She turned the big 6 yesterday. She's in kindergarten. I used to be her at Farmington. I don't think I had all the UVA apparel, but I sure do now.