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I’ve been in a funk for the last few days, and I’m not sure why.
It could be that the temperatures are warmer, so it’s time to turn on the A/C and close the windows.
Maybe it was the book I was reading. All the Bright Places drew me in. I was reading anytime I had a few moments to grab. I was taken in by Finch and Violet and then… Well I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say the end could put one in a funk.
The weeds were bugging me, so on Saturday, I got after them. Weeding, mulching, making my front yard look nice. The funk was still there.
This is not the kind of funk that makes me cry. Actually, on the outside I’ve been keeping a pretty cheery disposition. Until Sunday. My choir director and friend said, “You must be happy that school is almost out.”
No. Not at all. Then I ranted about all the things I hate about the end of the school year. But the biggest, glaring thing for me was I will miss my kids. Some of my students will return to me next year. Some will not. These last few weeks are full of activities that draw my students away from my class. This is the time of year I become well aware that I am not a regular teacher. Between field trips and reward activities, game days, splash days, award days, I fall to the bottom of the totem pole. And I’m in a funk about it. There is nothing to be done, so I need to just let it go and enjoy the time we do have with each other.
This weekend a former student got in touch with me through Facebook. She messaged me, and we started a conversation about what we were both doing now. She’s a wife, mother, a personal chef and fitness instructor. She wrote, “I know this is gushy but you were such a strong part of my childhood because I was so close to the school and church and you were such a strong, caring teacher. I have told my children about you on numerous occasions. If you ever wonder how you have touched the lives of your students– you give such warmth and caring and belief. I am so glad God called you to teach and that you were part of my life! And I am so grateful that I can tell you that now.” Tears. Heartbeat. Breathe. Funk lifted.
Reflections on the Teche 
Sometimes God opens that window just as it is needed. So glad you got that communication from your former student.
Oh!!!! Messages like that soothe those funks, don’t they?!?! And they seem to arrive at just the right moment! YOU are important to your students!!! I’m glad you shared. This is a hard time of year…for all of us! It helps to know that others are struggling too. LOVE you Margaret!!! (And think…I’ll see you soon at our writing retreat…right?!?!)
Margaret – missing the birdsong of the morning is one of the joys lost with the AC & I’m feeling that here. As soon as I can I open the windows again. Also it is always the gre8t teachers who are pensive to pained about the summer separation from students. Wondering how that one will make out at home in their particular situation… etc. So sweet about the beautifully vibrant adult former student & her news. Thank you for sharing.
I can understand your May funk – I was in one over the weekend, and you know I can relate to all those school schedule changes – ugh! When someone reaches out and thanks you for a job well done, it can wipe away that gloomy mood.
This post gave me chills. I know that funk you speak of and I know how children pull me out of it. Just yesterday I heard one of my students tell someone, “No actually I’m special. Really. Mrs. Moran told me.” Funk lifted. It’s like that starfish story where he knows how saving just one makes a huge difference to that one. xo
I didn’t want school to end either. Such mixed feelings as the year comes to an end. Love FB for just what you experienced Margaret.
What’s up for summer?
Wow- what a great message from your former student. Worth saving. I know just what you mean about not being a classroom teacher and “falling to the bottom of the totem pole.” We are in our final two weeks- and there are so many interruptions- all good, but hard because my time with my students is impacted.
I love how you explored the reasons for your funk and that May is that kind of month. Things are just out of wack and we have lost a bit of control. Weeds, field trips. Ugh, felt like that yesterday (hoping for a better today).
That lovely message (yay Facebook), came at just the right time. How wonderful to connect with students as adults! The relationships you have created live way beyond the the time in the classroom. What a gift for her and you.
Your post brought chills to me as I read the end where your teachings and influence still influenced someone many years later. I hope that one day someone can say that about us all. I’m so glad that your funk has lifted.
The best kind of funk-lifter! I’m glad it came at just the right time, Margaret.
Margaret – Your work is a gift to so many, and I am glad you connected with this former student at just the right time. xo
I am in a bit of a May funk, too. I hope mine will be lifted in as beautiful a way as yours.
may is like that…for just the reasons you wrote so beautifully about. But, then comes a message that makes your spirits lift – that’s the joy of teaching.
Lifted, indeed!
Those end of year things that pull your little ones away when you just want to bunker down and enjoy those last few special times as a class family are so annoying. You feel like you have let them go but it was all of a sudden and incomplete, I get it totally. What a beautiful message from one of your former students. Glad you are feeling better.
What a wonderful message, Margaret! I think we’re all in a little bit of a funk; I know I am. I’m so glad your heart was lifted!
I think it’s hard not to get in a funk at this time of year. What a gift that message was! It’s so gratifying to know that we really do make a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, Margaret!
Margaret, funks can be deep-seated and not want to let go but I am so glad that yours has lifted. What a beautiful gift you received from a former student. Just keeping remembering how many lives you have deeply touched and influenced. I am sure that Emily is one of them. I hope your Mother’s Day was a peaceful and pleasant one.