So Many Good-byes...

Seventeen years of work at the college comes to an end tomorrow. Today, my wonderful friends gathered to send me off to my new adventures. Past, present and future gathered in one room, from Wynette who chose to hire a hippy-chick, homeschooling computer programmer to teach parenting classes way back in 1994 (what was she thinking?) to Marty, who has been working with me all spring in preparation for taking over, and everyone in between.

Isn't amazing how life's path meanders? I left college back in 1982 with a BS in Computer Science, determined to go out and conquer the computing world. It was fun and I was good at it. I spent seven years working on mainframes, designing and implementing systems, managing projects and writing programs. Once the boys were born, I really wanted to stay home with them, and after a couple of years juggling schedules and babysitters and working in our spare bedroom, I finally got to give up my job and follow my heart.

Eric's job led us to Puyallup, and I found myself casting around for a part-time job that would let me be at home with the boys, but supplement our income a little. Before we moved to Puyallup, we were enrolled in a co-op preschool where Eric and I got to attend parenting classes. It was so interesting and new that I started reading all the books I could find on parenting. Once we moved, I enrolled Riley in a co-op here and started classes again. It was part-way through our second year when I was invited to interview. I really didn't think I was qualified, but it was so interesting to me that I decided to go for it. Wynette saw something in me and decided to hire the computer programmer to teach parenting. And that was the beginning...

Along the way, I picked up a Masters in Early Childhood Ed - finally I was legit! I started teaching summer classes for the ECE side of the program, and taught more and more parenting classes. And of course, I was homeschooling the boys, too. Twelve years later, Wynette retired and I became coordinator, working almost full time. The timing was perfect - Web was living on his own, and Riley was finishing up high school. Three years later, the economy dived and our program was cut.

Wynette, Virginia and Lee Ann - those were some great years, and we had the best times together. Thank you for sharing them with me. Wynette, thank you for taking a chance on the programmer that day - you truly changed my life with that decision, bringing richness and fulfillment to me, and starting me down the path that I am still following.

That was when I moved to the lab school, where I've been for the last two years. It's been a dream job, and one I have enjoyed beyond words. Working with children is an amazing experience, a gift really. Working with student teachers is also a gift - seeing the growth, the blooming confidence, the love they are developing for the work. Every day, even the bad ones, has something to offer.

And the people...Greg, Judy, Krissy and Barb. I can't believe you let me do this! I can't believe you paid me to do this! These past two years have been unbelievable, and I've learned so much from all of you. You taught me grace (and Grace), and wisdom and nurturing and so much more. We've laughed so hard that it hurt, and then laughed some more. We've shared anger, we've shared trust, tears and worries and big ideas and big dreams. I feel privileged and honored to have worked with you all. Greg, you instigated this wild doctoral dream, and both you and Judy have supported me every step of the way. And Krissy, you are my doctoral-wanna-be-buddy, sharing the frustrations and some fun. We are going to have a blast in Boston this summer!

And finally, the families. Seventeen years of families. I've been honored to share their stories, their fears, their dreams, their tears. They trusted me with their children, a gift of the highest honor. They let me into their lives and believed in me. I cannot describe the value of that gift.

My final day is upon me. I didn't cry this afternoon, and tomorrow will be full of final presentations and graduation, and I hope I won't cry then. But...right now...I've got tears in my eyes. It's hard to say goodbye. Today has been full of them, and there are many more to come. I have a lot to look forward to: new home, new job, new adventures. I'm excited and I can't wait to get started, but that doesn't mean it's any easier to leave. Seventeen years, from age 36 to age 53...that's a long time, a lot of friends, a lot of families, a lot of love. I will miss it.

Michelle