Last Day, Finally!

Today is Archer's last day of school. Usually they have Olympics Day outside with games for most of the morning. Not sure what they're doing instead, but whatever it is, it won't be outside. Cold and rain have cancelled the best laid plans. Yesterday our prayers were answered with dry weather so the first graders were able to walk to the park, have McDonald's happy meals for lunch and play all afternoon, so they haven't been completely deprived. Over the past week he's been cleaning out his desk and bringing home used-up glue sticks, worn out folders and little stubs of pencils. And this afternoon, at 4:00 SUMMER VACATION BEGINS!

Now for the bigger story. Mom is retiring! Today's her last day E.V.E.R. My mom is one of the hardest working people I know. I can't even tell you the number of times each day I think to myself, "How did Mom do it?" The kitchen counter was never full of dirty dishes, she was never a week behind on laundry, the closets stayed organized and shoes weren't just strewn all over the place, they were always where they were supposed to be. When we were young she was faithfully home from school at 4:30 every day to cook for us and make sure homework was done. When we were older and cuts were made and she didn't have as much help at school she stayed late to get the work done. She works so hard. She was a full time mom and full time teacher and does both jobs so well that I still haven't really figured out HOW she did it. I think its a Super Power. But I can't even define what the Super Power is, is it perseverance? Energy? Constant vigilance? She never left an unfolded blanket laying on the couch, she folded it within minutes of the user leaving and going off to something else. She anticipates what problems she's going to have with the kids in the next class coming to her library and prepares for them. She goes above and beyond to decorate her library to make an inviting space, she has treats for the good kids and sweatshirts for the cold kids and ways to keep the bad kids in line. How does she do it? I'm in complete awe, have been in awe since I've been old enough to appreciate all she does. And today she closes this chapter to start another. Today she'll walk out of that library, her library, and it will be over. She's been there long enough to teach students who now have kids of their own at her school, and then grand kids at her school. Three generations have come to Mrs. Gruenberg's library for books and snacks and time on the computer. And today its over, she's done, and I am so proud that she is MY mom, so proud of her hard work and joyful spirit through it all. Good work, Mom! I love you, CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement!!!