A Letter to my Students

Dear Former Students (though it would be more appropriate to say honey, sweetie, or baby, right?), First, I know you read my blog. You don't have to be sneaky about it anymore! :)
As I sit here with my sweet girls, watching one snooze away on the monitor and one playing with her princess stickers, I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. I am so very thankful that I didn't have to get them up at 6am this morning and drop them off at daycare. I am so thankful that I didn't have to cry all the way to school. I am so thankful that I didn't have to wear sunglasses to this morning's meeting because my eyes were so swollen, and if I answered anyone's questions about why I would lose it again. 
Also, I am so grateful that even though I did not have a first day of school today (by the way, it's my first one to miss in 27 years), I will always be a teacher. I am grateful for a profession that is a calling rather than a job. I am grateful for a calling that has allowed me to hear your stories, read your stories, and help you write your stories. I am grateful that you indulged me just enough to find something endearing in even the most mundane of activity. I am grateful that you always took the time to ask about my day, my family, and my thoughts. I am grateful that you knew that the best way to get me off topic is to ask about my girl. I am grateful that you knew that you could come in my room anytime, and I would be happy to see you. I am grateful that you emailed me while my baby was in the NICU to tell me that you were praying for us. I am grateful that you worked hard for me. I am grateful that you bought in to the idea that if you can just learn to write well, you can write for any audience, occasion, or purpose. I am grateful that you taught me more than I ever taught you. I am grateful that you allowed me to feel like a mom long before I was one. I am grateful for each of you--for your hearts, your laughter, your silly (and sometimes endless) questions--a great practice for motherhood, by the way, and your talents. 
I'm also teary today. I'm teary because I won't be sitting at my clean desk today staring at my neatly sorted folders, and praying over the names of the students that are about to walk through my door. I'm teary that those of you that are still at Smith can't come by and tell me hello today. I'm teary that those of you that started your first day of college today couldn't come by and tell me bye last week while I was working in my room. I'm teary because my big kids that are juniors and seniors in college can't email me to my school account to tell me how wonderful they are doing in their English classes. 
However, I am grateful because you are the future. You, with all of your passions and your quirks, are the ones that will be teaching my children. You will be the ones that will love on my children while someone else loves on yours. You are the ones that will change this crazy world for the better. 
Be a light. Be His light. 
I am forever proud of you, and I am forever grateful for the impact that each of you have had on my life. 
It hasn't always been easy, but it has been a lot of fun. I hope you had a PERFECT first day of school today--no matter where you are! :) 
My love, Mrs. Barton  P.S. Guess who rocks the Barton Bump now? 💜