A Chapter Concluded


Today was to have been my last day at the school. But my available supply of poise ran out sometime yesterday. So last night Honna and I went over and took my quilts and photos off the walls and left some notes that I had prepared and quietly fled. I imagine there were people wanting to wish me well today and that they will be disappointed to find me gone. This time, though, I opted for what I need, instead of what they need. Today holds a long-delayed lunch with my sister, a new library book (how appropriate is that!), and the Dresden Plates on my design wall.

Thirteen years come to an end. Not of my choosing. And it has been difficult to have others make a major life decision for me (though I realize that this happens to people all the time, if not others making the decision, then illness or circumstance). That has been hard, as has been the feeling of rejection, even though intellectually I am well aware of the reasoning behind the decision.

I wrote earlier that it is cruel and unusual to tell someone that the job has ended but the person should stay on for another five months. This happens to teachers all the time. Fortunately, I didn't have the well-being of fifteen first-graders or 4 sections of physics students to attend to, and I was free to seek something else and be done before five months elapsed. I lasted half that time and will continue to hold in the Light (yup, that Quakerspeak has become a piece of me) my fellow dismissees, including one in another setting.

There's a brief interim period before the next chapter begins and while I am eager to know what it will bring, I need the time to put the past one to rest. Friends, family, reading, organizing, quilting (well, d'uh!) and perhaps even a day in Cape May . . . . and before I know it, I'll be turning the page.


Comments

Char said…
Well good for you. You should be thinking of yourself. Wishing you the best!
Janet O. said…
I love that you went on your own terms in the end. : )
Sounds like you are ready for some restorative activities before turning the page. I love the photos you have shared of Cape May. I hope you are able to make that a part of your break before the page turns.
OT Quilter said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
OT Quilter said…
Well done, Nancy. Sisters lunch, a library book and quilting sound like the perfect alternatives to difficult goodbyes. Might I also suggest a glass or two of an excellent vintage? I know it has been difficult to walk this journey and to share it, but please know that your thoughtful and honest approach has been truly inspirational.
Deb said…
Good for you! Enjoy your time with your sister, reading, and especially quilting! Then...on to the next chapter in your life!
LizA. said…
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you start your new journey. We can hold each other up when needed as we each start down these new paths that life is taking us.....
Lori said…
Good for you for leaving on YOUR terms and that Honna was there to help give you strength!!
Anonymous said…
AFS is a lesser place, now that you are not here
jirons42 said…
I like the way you choose to leave. I would have done exactly the same thing.
Jindi's Cottage said…
Well done on taking control back and leaving how you needed to at the end...enjoy your break between chapters...the next one is going to be awesome I'm sure...
Tanya said…
I hope you soon be posting that leaving one way of life has opened wondrous things that you never would have imagined had you been where you were.
Anonymous said…
Blessings to you.......
AnnieO said…
What a difficult few months you've been through. You'll be missed, I have no doubt. Glad you left on your own terms.

I hope the next chapter is more under your own control!
Quayquilter said…
Hope you enjoy this interlude between one life and the next and how wonderful to be making a fresh start. Mary
suz said…
I'm happy you were able to leave on your own terms. I'm sure there are people there who will miss you (and whom you will miss). Enjoy this break and I hope your future position will give you the same joy this one did and will offer more wonderful experiences.
Quiltdivajulie said…
As the former President of the college where I worked used to say: "Fare Thee Forward!"

Hugs from afar . . .
Lorraine said…
There is a trick to the graceful exit..........and you certainly nailed it. Good for you. Enjoy your break and your new chapter when it begins.
Reminds me of the S & G song, "50 Ways to Leave a Lover," ... sneak out the back, Jack; make a new plan, Stan .... ":)