FINALLY!

So Mom called yesterday to tell me she handed in her papers. You know, the resignation type. After years of changing kids lives for the better, she is finally ready to put in the towel. I honestly don't know how she hung in there for this long. I mean seriously, I am really impressed by teachers working in the Beehive State, aka lowest payed teachers in the nation state. But Mom, she not only hung in through the lack of pay, but also through her own personal battles with her health, and they are not few. I love and admire her dedication and perserverance. Teenage kids are not necessarily easy to teach, especially the ones who already know everything.
Mom has taught me several lessons in my life. We did used to sit down and have talks about various subjects, but Mom was always really good at understanding I didn't want to have her lecture me on anything. No, most of the lessons I learned from Mom were simply by example. I don't remember sitting down with my parents and talking about going to college, but I knew it was extremely important for me to do, because Mom had gone to undergrad and graduate school. Mom is extremely well read, and a great improvisor. I truly admired those things growing up, and I knew I wanted to be a lot like her.
Mom never demanded anything from me, at least not forcibly. I guess without she or I ever realizing it, she always demanded my respect. And by demanded, I really mean she made me WANT to do things that would make her proud of me, and happy with me. I have always loved and respected Mom and Dad SO MUCH, that I never wanted to do anything that would make them disappointed in me.
I am so incredibly impressed by Mom! I cannot even begin to list all the many sacrifices she and Dad made in my behalf. I very specifically remember Christmas after Christmas where my and my sisters 'Santa pile' were a lot bigger than Mom and Dad's. I think I even asked about it one year, and Mom just told me that Santa really likes to bring things to Children, but knows that Moms and Dads don't really need anything. But later when I understood a lot more, and thought back, I know Mom would have loved new clothes to wear to school just as much or more than we enjoyed our new toys.
And so I am now counting down the days, just like I am sure Mom is. I know she will love it! But to be completely honest, I am not sure Mom will know what to do with herself after retirement. After a life lived of serving others, how does one learn to serve them self. Well, she has always been a quick learner, and up for a good challenge, so I am sure she'll find a way.