Thursday, June 7, 2007

No more pencils, no more books...


We had our first Minnesota OC get together on Sunday. Scott, Amber, Sara, and me.

It was fun. We talked and talked about everything. Lows and favorite low foods. Infusion sets and inserters. The finer points of pumps. The carb value of a Burger King chicken tender meal and bread bowls. We laughed. A lot. It was awesome!

Being around other people with diabetes is so important. It’s nice to be able to talk about what’s happening (diabetes) without having to explain everything in the process. Thanks guys! I had a great time!

Today was the last day of school. Done for another year, and now I have a couple months to decompress. It was a crazy day. I had to say good-bye to my sixth graders who will be moving on to junior high. I saw the joy in the first graders who proudly shared that they were almost second graders. I hugged my special friends and said good-bye to parents who I’ve spent a lot of time in the last couple years figuring out what was best for their child. I said good-bye to a good friend who may not work with me next year and shed tears.

It’s a whirl of emotions. Sad, happy, relieved and proud.

It was a good year. My staff touched kids in many ways and helped them to become confident, strong students. I am proud of our accomplishments.

I’m exhausted.


DIXIE TIDBIT:

The end of school has been difficult for Dixie.

Most of the kids I work with happen to be boys. Dixie so loves “her boys.” (boys who have a special relationship with Dixie) The last week has been a different schedule, as many of the kids have been on field trips, or coming at different times or not at all. Today, no kids came to my classroom; except for quick check ins.

Dixie sat by the door and pouted. She would hear kids in the hall and perk up, only to put her head back down and sigh loudly when she realized the kids weren’t coming in the room. Finally the last hour, several of "her" boys came to see her and say good-bye. She wagged her tail like crazy and smiled. (when she is really happy she opens her mouth and shows her teeth—a dog smile.)

She’ll have a hard time for a week or so, and then will fall into our summer routine.

We both will.

4 comments:

Scott K. Johnson said...

It was an awesome time. To be able to share time with others that "get it" is really a special thing. Especially when we spend so much of our everyday lives feeling a bit isolated.

I like how we have a sense of humor around the things we have to deal with. It is pretty comical when you think about it!

And how cool to meet Dixie too!

I can just picture her sitting and waiting for her boys.

I hope that you two have a great summer, and that we will get a chance to hang out again.

Take care!

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh! What a nice piece. And I just love that Dixie. I am sure she will miss her boys. You guys have a great summer but keep us posted on what is happening.

Minnesota Nice said...

I am always amazed how absolutely healthy and vibrant Dixie looks - her fur is so shiny and beautiful.

I want to be there next time!

Amber-Bams said...

Yay for meeting fellow diabetics!! How is the first week of summer going on you and Dixie?