Going Out in Glory

So I'm not one much for goodbyes. In a small community, it is very difficult to just say goodbye. I've told the people who are near and dear to me that I got the job I wanted, but many folks, even faculty do not know. I have no intention of breaking it out there. My principal and vice principal (yeah the one who gave me hell, but the two of them were both canned in the end and I really LOVE my principal) both know about the job.

So anyway, many folks think I'm coming back and those who know are keeping it hush hush. Last week, we had a farewell dinner for my principal. We all chipped in money for dinner and a gift. It turned out that she was given a ceramic teapot..after 17 years..and the one in charge of the whole organization of the gift left the measly 37 dollar price tag on the teapot. Well, several of us questioned the whole affair and the numbers did not match up. Knowing I was leaving, I was nominated (and OK with) confronting the person in charge.

I lost much sleep last night, knowing I would be walking into the morning meeting only to confront her professionally. She was very defensive about the whole thing, and gave us a breakdown of the monies, where we later went back and did the math and it still came up over $100 short! I didn't push the issue, my goal was just to make it clear that many of us were concerned and had questions.

Within an hour, people were coming up to me, asking if they could donate money to a "pot" that would be given to my principal. Our end of the year dinner was tonight, and by that time, I had been given over $400 and 3 dozen roses to present to my principal. I was nominated to give the gift. Everyone was there, including the two individuals who were involved in the first gift. I stood up, put my glory aside, and presented my principal with this gift. She broke down, she was totally hysterical. I whispered in her ear that I didn't organize it, but many thought that this was right and wanted to give and it all just fell into place. It just happened..it was a beautiful thing.

So, I can't really explain what I'm feeling right now. I feel humbled that I can put the glory of my new job aside to be a part of wishing my principal all the best, sending her out in style, and having the honor of giving her the last gift. I feel at closure with the school, ready to walk away tomorrow smiling.

The clincher of it all? One of the aids that doesn't know I'm leaving said "God help you next year, I'll pray for you!" I just looked at her, smiled, and said "I'll be JUST fine!" That was it..nothing more to say, nothing more to do. I can walk away at peace...