I have completed my time at College Hill Prep School where I have been for EIGHTEEN YEARS! It's a lifetime and the future is just a little daunting right now! I played around at GlassGiant.com and made the tag above as for eighteen years that has been my identity.
I live in a small town and because so many children know me and have passed through my hands, wherever I go in town I am greeted by smiling faces and waving hands or little bodies tugging their mommy's skirts and pointing...."It's Mrs Ternahan"
I know it sounds self gratifying, and it is, but what an awesome priviledge I've had to be loved by SO many. At my farewell I was given a scrapbook made for me by all my colleagues and church friends.In it were messages and photographs.I can't tell you what it means to me....to be loved and treasured soo much! It makes the leaving sooo difficult! BUT...I look back at all the memories I CAN take with me and look forward to the future.
I've been thinking a lot about how my being a teacher has become part of who I am.I almost feel as if I'm going through an identity crises LOL.I have for the past 18 years lived as a wife, mother AND teacher and these roles are very much WHO I am, BUT I am so much more and leaving my comfort zone of familiar grounds has made me look more closely at who ME is.
I've discovered I'm brave...those who know me know thats a profound statement to make LOL..I've never thought of myself as such. I've discovered that "TEACHER" is not all I am to little ones whom I teach...I am more. I've discovered that my colleagues are more than that...they are friends and loved ones. I've discovered that I CANNOT make this move without the strength I'm getting from Our Lord! It is He who makes me look to the future with HOPE and filled with LOVE.....
LOVE from those and FOR those I'll be leaving behind. Life IS a journey and I've sat on the path a long time and now I am moving on...I've discovered I' ve grown enough to take those new steps...big steps...toward a new future...but..I'll always look back and smile as I remember...
I'll treasure those little faces, those loving smiles, those eagerly waving hands...yes I will, my dear, dear little ones..I love you...all...everyone!
8 comments:
Powerful statement, Shauneen. Goodbye, Mrs Chips is an appropriate heading - I've seen the movie called Goodbye, Mr Chips.
what great memories:) rnjoy your weekend
Deb
My dear friend - how wonderful this entry was! Especially because I was with you at the beginning of that journey - the place where we first me and because friends within seconds! Firm friends of 18 years! I look back with nostalgia at the journey we took together and the separation that we had to take, yet knowing that our bond would never break! I am SO excited to hear that you finally see yourself as brave - something I've known for a LONG time! This is going to be a good time for you and your family. A time of growing, changing and discovering new things. I am just so excited to know that you are going to be so much closer to me!!!! Still a continent away, but a closer one! God bless, my friend - I love you! ~ Carrie ~
http://journals.aol.com/caromarls/ANewAdventure
You are fearless, my dear. You take your joyous and loving spirit with you and you will use it to fill your new home. Bless you and your family in your new life.--Sheria
It's always hard to step out into the unknown. I wish you luck on your new adventure. You will not be all that far from me when you move! That's exciting!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/
I missed your farewell entry to your hometown and school... they sent you off with their blessings and lots of memories. It is a good thing you are doing. You will have no regrets. Your friends will still be your friends... and thanks to internet, just an email away! You have had a calling, and good comes to those who leave the familiar to learn something new... and then return to the familiar once more. The greatest stories and myths have been written about people who left their homes and friends when something or someone called them away unexpectedly, to embark on a journey to unknown places, searching for something that in the end completes them, makes them new. Although, you have already been made new in Jesus Christ... may your journey continue with blessing of our Father. bea
Congratulations on your retirement!
Lori
Hi Shauneen,
Got an alert from you, but you had taken the entry down. Happy Easter nonetheless, and I hope all is going well you and yours.
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