Thursday, May 30, 2024

It's Life. And It's Okay.

 

Jessi the Spanish Teacher leaves for home tomorrow. 

She is so very excited to be able to see her friends and family after a year of being away. 

While she has found an American family who loves her and takes care of her,

There is nothing like her family of origin and her home country of Ecuador. 

We celebrate with her as she returns home

And look forward the day when she comes back. 

 

Shauna the Art Teacher locks her classroom door

One last time tomorrow. 

Shauna is embarking on a new journey and

Going to graduate school next year. 

Her quiet demeanor and patient spirit

Combined with her giving soul and love for life

Will take her far. 

We are excited for her.

We will just miss her. 

 

Tonight, Heidi the Librarian and I

Will join Jessi and Shauna

In a farewell staycation in Raleigh

That will involve food and drinks and Uno and laughter. 

 

We will celebrate successful endings and new beginnings

And the love of family and friends. 

We will celebrate by

Remembering the past and looking forward to the future.

We will celebrate by

Sharing communal stories and dreaming big dreams.

 

As graduation season is upon us,

I imagine that many of you are doing the same:

Celebrating while grieving,

Remembering while looking ahead,

Laughing while crying,

Holding on while letting go.

 

And you know what?

It’s all okay.

 

Because it’s life.

And we’re in it together…

In America, in Ecuador,

In work, and beyond.

 

Amen.

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