A Chapter Comes to a Close

May 22, 2009

Today I walked out of Bear Canyon Elementary School for the last time. After twelve years and three boys, our days inside that brick building are done.

We hugged Mr. Mitchell at the door,

Walked out of the darkened classroom,

Down the hall past the library,

With a glance at the ramp into the cafeteria,

Signed out at the front office,

Said goodbye to the secretaries, who have known me as both a 20-something AND a 30-something,

And walked out the double doors into the parking lot for the last time.

And then, when I thought I couldn’t choke back my tears another second, I turned to check on my boy, and saw a tough 12-year-old with huge alligator tears rolling down his face. He couldn’t say a word, but held up his empty gray backpack and and covered his face with his arm.

And the reality of saying goodbye fell heavy.

Thank you, God, for giving this boy a heart that understands the sweetness of what has been. As he begins to let go, show him a vision for the possibilities ahead.

And never, never let anything take away his tender heart.

8 Comments

  1. whittakerwoman

    I love it. Sohaila got off the bus today in tears. It is my first year that I have not cried on her last day of school. I laughed when she finished her first year of preschool and I cried. Today no tears. I love that we are so sentimental!

    Reply
  2. Lucille

    k, I’m crying…

    Reply
  3. alece

    ugh. so sweet.

    i hate the sound that goodbyes make.

    Reply
  4. Michele

    YES! I hate the sound of goodbyes, too. I’ve never been very good at them … (sigh)

    Reply
  5. Tonya

    Oh Michele, so sad.. They grow so quickly. I can’t believe I will have a senior this fall. The time races by.

    Reply
  6. Michele

    I’m with ya, Tonya … we’ll have Senior this fall, too. And I’m too young to have a senior. 😉

    Reply
  7. Audra Krell

    Amazing post……I’m deeply touched and am praising God that my boys go to a K-8 school!!! I have a few more years! Have a wonderful, deeply personal and meaningful trip my friend!

    Reply
  8. Michele

    Audra, even with our limited interaction, I can tell you are an incredible mom … an inspiration to me. Thank you.

    Reply

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