I closed the door on my classroom for the last time. True to form -- on last Tuesday, I had my 6th-hour students load even more boxes.
My 6th-hour kids were always the best to step up to help with whatever project I had going -- whether it was loading food boxes for Family Food Support. One student asked, "Mrs. Bell, how does it make you feel to know that we're the last class you're ever going to teach?'I purposefully would not turn my keys in until Thursday. I needed to come back one more time.
We had celebrated -- my favorite people were there -- educators and principals and support staff. Our family surprised me by all being -there -even though our Edmond crew said they'd have to miss it.
My most favorite students!!!!
I have sorted thousands of hard copies, downloaded powerpoints, activities that I wanted to save, and then organized a digital scope and sequence for the teacher replacing me. In the rush of closing school and sorting files -- I wanted to make sure that I said it all. I wanted to make sure that I went out teaching the most vital truths. Not sure I did -- but I did get to make some significant connections - with a few.
After Spring Break -- I concentrated on labs and hands-on activities. Those are the ones where I make the strongest connections to students and get to laugh with them and let them know that I SEE THEM. It was sad to think about my last time distributing food with our Family Food Support. One mom and dad circled up and prayed for my new adventure in retirement.
This weekend our family gathered at Mat and Bethany's as they hosted a party to celebrate my retirement. The words of affirmation they spoke were touching. We laughed, toasted, relived old stories that we've told over and over, while the cousins played and wore themselves out enjoying their time together.
With a season of ministry completed at Life Park Christian Fellowship and teaching completed for me with Terry's load reduced significantly for a few weeks of May / June, we find ourselves anticipating the next adventure God has for us. It's a time for reflection and renewal.
'Don't know what's in store -- but my focus for the future is on my Family -- my Faith -- and enjoying each day. Cancer taught me that we don't always get to map our future out as we plan.
