In all of my years of teaching I never would have imagined the end of the school year amounting to saying goodbye to five out of my twenty-nine students on Webex amid COVID circumstances. The end of the year is always an ordeal for me because I genuinely LOVE each-and-every-one of the beautiful souls that are put in my daily care. They are a part of my heart forever! But this year everything was a surprise, which made saying goodbye so heartbreaking.
Spring break came and went and the country was caught up in a swarm of COVID. We really did not understand the depth of this virus or the impact it would have on our children and teachers. We never returned to school after the break and began remote learning, which teachers handled with flexibility and finesse! Regardless, the lack of equity concerning technology made connecting with some students impossible. It was like a shattering of my heart and a feeling that no matter how hard I looked, I may not find all of the pieces.
And so here I am, at the last day, saying goodbye on a computer and filling out postcards to addresses I can only hope still contain my students. I was so rushed with emotion and resolve to somehow reconnect sometime, somewhere, and hug each-and-every-one of my lovely students so that they know they are enough, special in their own right, that they have their whole lives ahead of them and they can accomplish anything they put their minds to, and that this year that we spent together was one of the reasons that I am alive. That their placement in my room was not accident. That there is a higher order to it all and sometimes we do not understand the plan!
Now the reassurance of my Savior! There is a purpose to all of this. As my students are in my heart I am most assured that I am in theirs. I have been given a gift that I am so grateful for, I am a teacher! Regardless of COVID and it’s plans, I have a higher calling and this too will pass. I do not need to worry about the future, I can have faith in something I can not see. I have a righteous protector that not only covers me but covers those I love as well, which includes my students. Sometimes events do not go as planned, but all things will work for His good!
Thank you Lord for the blessing of this year with your beautiful children. Thank you for working by my side each-and-every-day to make sure that I reached each of them in just the right way. Thank you for blessing me with a gift that no virus can remove and for surrounding me with family and friends who will support me through this difficult transition. I pray for all of the families who have children affected by COVID interrupting thier school year. I pray for all of the teachers around the world that are facing the end of the year of school that will not end in a hug! Just know that you are not alone, I feel you! Blessings, Light, and Love!!