Mar8

the final conference.

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after many years

yesterday

was my very last experience

sitting at a table

sharing stories with families

listening to their stories

 connecting over something unique and wonderful

their child

at parent teacher conferences

in priceless conversations.

—

“conversations are the most direct way to connect with people.”

-padgett powell, american novelist 

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109 responses »

  13. My husband died in 2009. In 2012, I went on disability insurance income for 2 years because of herniated discs in my back. Once it stabilized, I was able to start a small photography business; I volunteered at the local chamber of commerce, and cleaned my house out in preparation for moving to a condo to simplify my life. I have a beloved black cat, great family, great neighbors, and good health for an almost 73 year old. I am so happy and content with my income from retirement funds and social security.I have what I need also from the sale of my house. Life is good. Enjoy!

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  15. Congratulations, Beth, on this very big step in life! Happily, you will run into parents and students in town for years and years who will remember you from your class time together and say hello and thank you!

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  16. You might find yourself busier in retirement than while working. Work is an odd concept and you have been extremely fortunate to have loved your work. Making a difference is a powerful elixir and you have certainly done that. I suspect you will find ways to make a difference for many years to come.

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  19. Congratulations, Beth. But I have to admit, I’ll miss your insights about your kinder and their wonderful minds. You have so much respect for play, and I’ve learned a great deal. I hope you’ll go on with your blog and thoughts, and I’ll love that, but I’ll miss those “kid” posts that were special to me.

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    • oh, absolutely I will. I will always have things to experience and write about life and the people in it, including children I may work with in the future. as of yet, unwritten and will begin the end of June

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  28. I can only imagine the emotions. Know that you have left your mark and had a very important part in the lives of those little ones (and their parents)! I know that there are bright things ahead for you and you will continue to make a difference! Blessings in the time ahead ….

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    • yes, this was one of my ‘lasts’ on my way to my finish here, a few more months and I’m ready for my next chapter in life, choosing what I do with my time. I feel like there will always be an opportunity or enterprise that will engage me quite naturally, and I’ll know them when I see them

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  38. Oh, Beth!!! I should be feeling absolute joy for you, but I’m a teeny bit sad on top of the joy. Make sense? I know you’ll have many wonderful adventures ahead – very exciting! How many years have you been teaching? This is my 40th year! I’m not ready to retire yet.

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    • my days as a teacher in a classroom will end at the end of June. I’ve been a teacher for 25 years, and this was my 3rd career, but was my calling. I plan to be involved in new adventures when I retire and think the opportunities will present themselves, though I plan to only take on flexible projects, volunteer, or who knows what? I’m open and feel I will always be teaching or connected to children in some way that in haven’t imagined yet.

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  40. Wow! Beth, that is a big moment; I had my very last parent-teacher conference over twenty years ago . I worked with high school students; only taught primary during teacher training. You’ve got a whole new life ahead of you, Beth: I’m sure you will live it productively; and keep on posting ,please :)

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  41. this post feels very bittersweet to me. It’s exciting to be able to not have to plan your life around the work schedule, but the kinship you have had with your colleagues all of these years is something you will no doubt miss.

    I look forward to reading about new adventures as you step through the door to the next part of your journey.

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