We were all littles before we were grownups. This is my school picture in kindergarten. The red bow! (Each grade had a different color). Our classroom was in the convent next to the kitchen, and the rest of the grades were in the basement of the church. I have so many memories of that year.

When I became a teacher, I brought this picture to my classroom and hung it by the calendar every year. I wanted my students to know that I started school just like they did, and missed my momma, and hoped I would have friends, and wouldn’t pee my pants. The memories of my kinder days became the narrative of many stories told. Some came with life lessons like the time I chose a green candy out of a bag of all yellow candies. I thought there had been a mistake until I was called to the front of the classroom, and crowned Queen of Hearts for Valentine’s Day. (So sometimes what you think is a problem, is actually a blessing). Other stories were just fun or funny times remembered, but they all brought my students and me closer by making a connection to who I was and who they were.

When I left teaching, I was ready for the change in my world, and was proud of myself for not being over emotional. I will say though, the day I took my little self off the wall by the calendar to go home I cried the UGLY cry. She is still with me, now in my writing folder still inspiring me to remember……..