Embrace the bittersweet tears. They mean we love and are loved.

Last week I walked into an early morning meeting to see a teacher with eyes full of tears. I know we are all tired these last days of school and we have a lot on our plates, so I listened to hear what was wrong and to see what I could do to help.

But…the tears weren’t about what was wrong. They were about what was right. The teacher was talking about the night before, when she was writing comments on students’ report cards. She was brought to tears thinking about how much her students have grown. Because she is so proud of them and loves them so much. Even the students who were challenges. Especially the students who were challenges.

Over and over the past few weeks I have heard our teachers celebrate student growth, in their interpersonal skills and academic skills. As we make plans for the next school year, teachers’ biggest concern is that students are loved by next year’s teacher just as much as they love them.

In this last week, we are going to cherish every hug, enjoy the precious moments we have left as a classroom family, and dream about all the possibilities of next year. Our jobs are not easy, they are not simple, but they are so rewarding.

Embrace the bittersweet tears. They mean we love and are loved.

Life at best is bittersweet.

-Jack Kirby

Image source HERE