…and this is the view from where I sit.
In the tub,
Peering over the edge,
With bubbles up to my chin.
20,000 steps today.
Most made during the school day
In shoes not made for walking.
And so this is where I sit.
With the shoes not on my feet.
Aromatherapy a la bubblebath, ahhhhh.
Still too light to need the candles that sit ever at the ready.
But the time is right for dark chocolate.
(Always.)
For tomorrow we test.
And, yes, it’s a “we.”
Oh, so very much a “we.”
4th graders will write.
5th graders will “math.”
And teachers will pray….
A lot.
That the kids are confident,
Their learning true.
That they’ll seize this moment to apply all they know.
That even as they play this game we never chose,
They play to win.
To sparkle,
To shine.
To do their best.
Their best is what we’ve worked for,
and it’s what we pray for.
At least I know I sure do…
With 2 pairs of tennies on the floor,
And bubbles up to my chin.
They’ve got this.
We’ve got this.
We’ve all worked so hard.
That now it’s time to breathe….
No matter how many steps led to the bath.
…..and the fluffy purple towel.
Then sings my soul…..
The Blue Heron (Then Sings My Soul) 
It is always hard for momma bird when the baby birds have to fly on their own. Good luck to all you are ready!
Thank you!!!
(I packed all 112 4th grade kiddos a snack of oreos – because they are SMART COOKIES!)
Oh, so many prayers! You just know that if they aren’t prepared mentally for the challenge, that no matter what they REALLY know, it will not come out on paper for scores. The hardest thing as a teacher was watching them make mistakes on tests that you know if you just personally asked them that question they would know the answer! Misreading or misleading is not a true test, and sometimes it felt that way! I’m sure your kiddos are ready to rumble though! Have a great day!
Oh, YES!! I can’t even watch the kids as they work. Active monitoring… constant looking without seeing… walking, walking, walking…. smiling, grinning, reassuring with my presence, my glance.
It’s all I can do.
And it’s everything I can do.
And — we’re done!