It's Day One

We prayed and prayed for the opportunity for me to have more time at home, yet as I said goodbye to my students on Friday and my staff and teammates yesterday, I was an emotional wreck. I knew this was the best decision and was such an incredible opportunity for our family. But in the moment, all I could think about was how this could very well be my last class of students. I know I will one day go back to work full-time, but that doesn't mean I'd be in a classroom again.

There's just something about being with the same 20-30 kids every day for, most of their day, for an entire school year. The relationships and bonds you build are so important and will hopefully impact them for the rest of their lives. I cried as "my children" sobbed on me Friday, "I love you Mrs. Curran," "Thank you for loving us all equally, even when we weren't good," "You were like a second mom to me. Thank you for being someone I could trust." Their words were so sincere and powerful. The final five minutes of that last day were just beautiful and many special moments were shared with all of my students.

Then Monday, I said goodbye to my 4th grade team. I am beyond fortunate that I will still be at the same school, but as we said goodbye, we knew next year would be different. I wouldn't be there everyday. I wouldn't be swapping stories about how to handle different student situations. Our relationships are bound to change.

I drove away from Harmony with watery eyes, knowing the next time I returned, I would not be a teacher. I drove away from the building where my career began. And as I drove, saddened to be saying goodbye, a song was playing in the background, "It's day one of the rest of my life. I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum. Yeah, here I come. The future has begun. Day one"

It's day one! No, this was not an easy decision, but this was the right decision; it was what my heart and soul needed. My sadness passed and I realized how fortunate our family is that I will be able to take advantage of this new opportunity. Being a mom is not always easy. We have to make tough decisions. Working moms often wish they could be at home, feeling conflicted for not putting 100% of our attention on our children. Stay-at-home moms long for that adult interaction you get at a workplace. It is so difficult to find a balance. Regardless of our situations, we all have one thing in common -- we want what is best for our children and families and will do whatever it takes to provide that. I am thankful that this "day one of the rest of my life" begins today. I am so excited for our family's future!