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We'd like to thank Ms. Leslie Griswald, Mrs. Halley's long-term substitute teacher. Ms. Griswald has taken a Graduate Assistantship in First Grade at Horace Mann School. We wish her the best as she works on her Master's Degree!
I can hardly believe that this school year is over. I have to admit that it has been a blur. I am eternally grateful to so many for making it possible for me to be able to stay off work for so long after the loss of Brian. I know that most caregivers are not in this situation after losing someone they love. I feel so blessed to have been able to take time for myself and figure out some form of normalcy around our home, although it is still a work in progress. My only regret has been missing my 6th graders and my co-worker friends. Luckily I will have these students again in 7th grade social studies, and hopefully we can make up for some of the time we lost together. Thank you to Karis and Leslie for keeping things running at school while I was gone. Thank you to all the great teachers at St. Gregory's who helped take care of me, my kids, and my students.
And last, thank you to my awesome 6th graders. I remember telling them at the beginning of the year that I knew it might be difficult for them to have a teacher whose husband was so sick, but that we would work through it together. They were so supportive and just wanted me to do whatever I needed to do to take care of my family. I could not have imagined missing so much of the year with them, yet they were selfless and giving to me in wanting me to take time for myself. They are an amazing group of kids and I am thankful for each of them!
I am looking forward to a peaceful summer full of special, normal, exciting, quiet moments that will be memories we can cherish. Our last three summers have been spent juggling chemotherapy and hospital visits. Although the kids and I do not miss that, we deeply miss Brian. It will take some time for our hearts to heal, and I know that we will never be the same. Our lives were touched by Brian's illness and death, and we can only hope and pray that the road ahead will bring us understanding and acceptance as to what God has planned for us. Rachel, Amberlea, Tye and I could not have accomplished loving Brian to Heaven without the strength and support of our school and parish family.
Have a safe and fun summer, and remember your sunscreen! See you in the fall.
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