I got a call the other day from a good friend of mine, asking if I would be willing to help her take down her classroom for the second time. This is a person who I had the pleasure of getting to know and work with on a daily basis for three years. She was, and still is, the greatest of people, as well as a fabulous teacher. Those who were blessed to have been under her instruction, had the most positive and supportive beginning. The parents of these precious little 5 and 6 year olds could not have been given a better gift!!!
Mrs. F retired several years ago. She thought it was time to catch up on things she felt were being neglected, such as Mr. F, the house, her kids, and even her grandchildren. Anyone who knows Mrs. F knows that no-one in her wide array of friends is neglected. She decided it was time for a little break--that lasted all of about 3 weeks. She has been called to fill in for maternity leaves, sick leaves, and vacations. While these spots were only supposed to be temporary, they took up the majority of her retirement, for the second time!
I had the pleasure of being in the classroom with her--she used to joke that it was like we were married because we spent more hours together than we did with our own spouses! I was given the opportunity to see a "natural" in her daily interactions with the children, parents, administration, cafeteria, and custodial staff. She responded to each person in a positive manner, never letting it show that her RA was acting up, and causing her discomfort in her joints. Each child was off to a great start as they got the best of foundations in their education.
Her greatest gift was what she gave to each child. She took each and every child under her wing, and provided them with constant reassurance and love. No child was too tough to escape this. Most of the kids embraced her easily, but it was the kids who were already off to a rocky start, that surprised me the most!
One little boy in particular came into our classroom with having had a difficult first five years. With not much supervision or guidance on mom's part, he would have temper tantrums, or mumble some curse words under his breath. Let's face facts, most 5 year old's are not practiced at this "cursing softly" thing, and N. was no exception. Mrs. F addressed these problems from the get-go, and I will not say it was an overnight change I saw in him, but a gradual softening that I will never forget. She had the ability to let this little 5 year old boy know that she believed in him and that he could do great things. This tough little boy allowed himself to receive her love and hugs on a daily basis, and for that, I do believe he will continue to respond to the positive forces that are working in his life.
He is only one of the many students who were blessed to have had her for their Kindergarten teacher. I know she hears from many that are grown and have children of their own now. As a matter of fact, she has taught their children, as she has been doing this for @ 37 years.
I went into her classroom the other day to help her take down the wall hangings, the decorative accessories, and to empty out the closet. This was no easy task, as she would never let herself be in the situation to not have an enormous amount of supplies on hand. We laughed at how many sticky notes she has. Staples has nothing on Mrs. F!!!!!!!!! Her OCD was clearly evident as we went through the Halloween decorations--If I never see another spider ring, it will be too soon!!!! Book boxes were overflowing, as you just never knew what the kids may want to look through!!!!
All kidding aside, I do believe that this time, her second attempt at retirement is going too be for good. She is ready for a break, and told me several times that she "is just plain tired". She is looking forward to spending time with Mr. F at their place in Nags Head. She wants to take her time as she goes through her closets at home, to do what I have no idea. I can honestly say that there is never a thing out of place at her house, but she insists that there is plenty to do.
I believe her greatest fear as she approaches this time in her life, is waking up without having a specific, laid out plan for what the day may bring. She is used to a very active lifestyle, but at the same time, is encouraged by the pace that this change will bring. She is an avid reader, and already told me that she will put the murder mysteries away for me until I am done with school! We had a great time together the other day, and I am blessed to have such an awesome person in my corner, always encouraging and supportive!
Because we talk so much about purposeful activity, and how it encourages us to stay involved, I have attached this link that shows the positive impact it can have on so many. Just because one retires, doesn't mean they are headed to the rocking chair!!!!
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