THE END

I mentioned it last week but I am no longer a parent of Presbyterian Day School and that makes me somewhat sad. I have closed the book on that place but not without lots of wonderful chapters that makes up the story of my life over the last 8 years. Pardon me for getting a little bit sappy here but when you find a place you love, it’s hard to let go. I started Calli here when she was 2. She went one day a week and cried every time I dropped her off. Her cry was a “mom I want you to feel good” moment because I didn’t even get down the hall before her cry was over. Never mind that it was because another kid had entered crying and in her head I knew she was thinking, “wow she sure looks silly. Maybe I should stop.” I remember calling those first few weeks to make sure Calli had calmed down not because I was worried (I don’t worry) but more because I didn’t want them to think I was a bad mom who didn’t care that her child was screaming like I had put her in a bed of fire ants. I realize that I’m not glorifying this place up to the point that I would be sad to leave it. But you must understand that that was just Calli…it had nothing to do with the school. And every time I called they would reassure that she was fine. And every time I dropped her off crying, I left with a smile from the teacher and assurance that she’d be fine. And every time I picked her up, she was fast asleep (at least in the 2 year old class) and folks that amazed me. Every teacher we’ve had has been so wonderful. They love my kids. They have fun with my kids. They weren’t afraid to correct my kids in a loving way. They had a smile for my kids and even one for me. So when I started with my Calli Grace going one day a week I really liked this place. Now that I finish 8 years later, I have grown to LOVE this place!

I became very involved. I co-chaired the Fiesta auction for 2 years and was heavily involved in other years. I have seen these teachers at their most frustrated moments (come on we all have them) and at their most joyous moments. Never once have I thought, I can’t believe she just did that /said that. These teachers, aids, snack ladies, etc have made an impression on my babies hearts which leaves a lasting impression on me.

An amazing group of people who create an amazing environment for my kids to learn attracts amazing families. And this is what makes it so hard to say goodbye. It’s here that I have made friends with so many great people! People that I genuinely enjoy being around. People that share the same beliefs. Some that share the same interests. People that can laugh at me and with me. Some of these people our paths now go separate ways as I won’t have the PDS connection with them and I hope my life doesn’t get too busy to where I don’t reintersect them.

All the teachers we’ve had along the way have been wonderful but Mrs. Arnold will be forever remembered. Partly because it’s Kindergarten. Partly because my kids don’t remember much when they were 2. But mostly because she’s just an amazing person and teacher. I could see the love and admiration in Colson’s eyes and hear it in his voice when he would talk about her. Calli doted over her too and still does. It was a treat for her to visit PDS so she could see Mrs. Arnold. Colson has grown so much this year and I can’t think of a better person to spend his days with than her. Some days, depending on my mood, I would think, “whew, I sure am glad he’s going to be with Mrs. Arnold today because he wouldn’t learn anything good from me.” Her gentleness with him created respect. Her kindness bred kindness in him. Her patience and understanding allowed him to blossom. Her instruction and encouragement created confidence in his academics. Colson loved coming to school this year (and really every year) and I can see why.

I left PDS with words of warning that I would be back next year, with Hudson as my excuse, and they couldn’t make fun of me for not being able to get a life and stay away.

These are Colson's two teachers he had on Wednesday afternoons for a program called Wiz Kidz. Love, love, love Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Jeanne (Mrs. Jeanne was his Pre-K teacher last year)