It's been a long week and it's only Wednesday. I've been putting in a lot of hours and trying to keep up on the kids and the house. I gave up on groceries earlier this week but decided that tonight I really needed to replace the milk that expired on April 27th and pick up a few other things to keep us going until I can do a real shopping trip.
The kids and I piled in the car and headed off to the grocery store. We got what we needed and as we started to head home, I decided that I really wanted to spend some much needed time with my kiddos instead of rushing home to put away groceries, make dinner, clean up dinner, etc., so I suggested we go to Red Robin for dinner. I knew it would be a hit to my budget but it's been months and months since the kids and I have had someone else make our dinner and clean up after us. Who knew that going out to eat would become such a huge extravagance in my life.
We pulled in, parked, and within minutes were being escorted to our table. On the way, we passed a familiar looking face - a teacher from the school, who was having dinner with her daughter. We waved at each other and the kids and I took our seat at our table. I turned my attention to the kids and they took turns sharing about their day at school and various other tidbits of information. We placed our orders and then went back to talking.
We had a very nice dinner and were completely enjoying our time together when it came time to pay the check. The waitress came over and handed me what I thought was my bill. At the top it said "Thanks, Casey! (heart) K. Morgan" I sat there completely confused - wondering how the waitress knew my name (and not connecting at all who had signed it). She jumped in and excitedly said "It was all very top secret at the time but your meals have been paid for." Then it hit me: K. Morgan. The teacher!
Tears immediately filled my eyes. The kids sat there in wonder and started peppering me with a million questions. What an amazing gift! It is truly stunning to me how many people I have touched with my work at the school and through the PTO and even more stunning to realize how much my work mattered over the years. It's so easy to get stuck in the day to day and not see the impact I have on those around me and now, as I am slowly starting to say my goodbyes to the school: the teachers, the staff, and the students; who have become my family over the past five years, I am finding that people are reaching out with their thanks and love. It's a fantastic feeling to know I mattered...and to know I will be missed. Because heaven knows I sure am going to miss all of them.
Thank you, Ms. Morgan. You made my day and thank you just doesn't seem like enough.
2 comments:
Why are you saying good bye to the school? Don't you still have three more years left at that school?
That is awesome.. I am glad you were able to spend time out and not have to worry about the money. Also glad to know that at some point my PTO work may also pay off too :)
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