On the inside : Another End

Today marked the end of First Grade for Kylie and Preschool for Madilyn. How did this happen? Wasn't Kylie just that little bundle cuddled up in the swing in the corner of the room? My how she has grown! Seven is just around the corner for her, and it just seems like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. When people say to cherish the years you have with your children they weren't kidding. This year has been a struggle in some ways and has been just everything I could ask for in other ways.

I started the year off with high hopes and, naturally, as life wore on me my enthusiasm began to dissipate. School days were long, lunches and snacks to be packed were a hassle and I just couldn't wait to get to the end. Because the end always means that something new is around the corner. Boy, I wish I hadn't willed away the days. Time is important, and especially for someone who is constantly on the go like I am.

I made it! My first official class of Preschool and Prekindergarten has come and gone. I never realized how full my heart could get. When I met my husband it was love. I felt like I could never love anyone as much as I loved him. Along came Kylie and she changed my world, and my view of love. I don't love her more than her dad, but I love her in a different way. I was in heaven when she was born I felt like my heart was at capacity with those two...and then came Madilyn. My heart is overflowing. I never thought I could have any more room in my heart. Now that I have had 17 wonderful students I realize my heart can continue to receive love. My those kids each hold something special. My memories of them may fade over time, but I will never forget them. I had a wonderful class, and though at times made me rethink my decision to be a teacher, but they will always be a part of me, a part of my story.

As I watched my students graduate/promote onto their new grades I got teary eyed. Those are my babies! No one knows how they have changed me and how happy I am that everyone trusted me with their children! Today I felt God's calling strong in me. This is what I am meant to do! I am meant to mold minds, shape children, and give back to the world. This is my calling. This is my passion!

With the end of the school year comes the end of my daughter, Madilyn, being in school with me. When I first made the decision to enroll her in Annoor Academy I was hesitant. It is an Islamic school after all and I wasn't so sure I wanted her raised around this environment. Boy was I wrong! Although they do believe some things that I do not, I have found that Madilyn really grew over this past year. I have seen her learn to count, figure out all her colors and shapes, and even make friends with children who didn't share in her faith. It is amazing. You put in a Christian in a pool of Muslims and they play. Just like they have known each other forever. There is beauty in this world. I saw it with Jannat and Madilyn. It is beautiful. Love is beautiful. I watched my daughter strive to be a better person and it was more than I could have asked for. She made friends with children I was scared to pronounce their names. She loved them right off the bat when I was nervous to join them. It is what Christianity is all about. Love. It is what Islam is all about. Love. Madilyn taught me not to be afraid, but to embrace this world around me. I was really nervous starting a new school that didn't even share in the same faith with me. I found that these people are wonderful! I couldn't have asked for better co-workers. They believed in me, they trusted me and they have all grown on me. I have learned to open up to new ideas, new people, and things that may seem a little different or scary to me. These people are just like me. They hurt the same, they love the same. God placed me here for a reason and I am forever thankful for that.

It's the end! My girls made it through another year (and Madilyn's first year of real school) and I made it too. This summer will be filled with relaxation, because we all deserve it. Even though school is over the learning NEVER stops! We will continue working on skills and improving. Here's to another wonderful summer!

Today was an end, but it is also a new beginning!