...saying, "Goodbye."

I have dreaded writing this particular blog, and it has been by far the hardest one yet. When I first went to college I wanted to go into nursing school. As I entered my junior year that desire changed. I come from a family of teachers. My mother, who has been teaching for nearly 38 years now, two older sisters - one teaching PE & the other Kindergarten, and my older brother who teaches history. So I guess you can say it was just in my blood. I developed a passion for teaching young children during school, and I never looked back. 

Three years ago, I was asked to be one of the physical education teachers at Lake View Elementary School in Tuscaloosa County. I was so nervous- it being my first teaching job. I cannot begin to describe the amount of generosity that was poured upon me during the first year. I developed very strong friendships that still remain today, but more than anything... the children stole my heart. They changed me for the better. If I was away for a long period of time I missed them. During my visits with Steven on the weekends he would say, "You have got to be around adults more often. The kids are rubbing off on you with knock-knock jokes & funny songs and sayings." I would just laugh thinking about those smiling faces that I got to experience every day. I loved being their "Coach Simmons." Their smiles melted my heart, and their laughter made teaching worth every minute. 

Nine days ago I was "pink slipped." It was my tenure year so no one had to give me any justification or reason why... maybe because they wanted to hire someone else in my position, maybe they just wanted to make a change, or maybe it's because I am marrying a military officer with chances that we'll be stationed somewhere different- if so, I always thought military wives should be supported, not penalized.  I always thought that if I left Lake View that it would be my own choice to leave. I never imagined someone making that decision for me. I was and still am completely heartbroken over this decision. The Lake View community has opened their hearts to me with emails, text messages, and phone calls. I cannot thank the parents enough for their support, love, and generosity. I have cried with parents, hugged them, and cried again. I just want to say that I am so blessed to have had three years with your children & this precious community. I am beyond thankful. I believe in each and every child at Lake View Elementary, and I believe they are capable of anything in life. Thank you for trusting me with your children and giving me the privilege of teaching them. I will never forget my kids at LVES. They will remain forever in my heart. God could not have granted me a better three years. 

As I mentioned before... I developed many close friendships at Lake View that I am so grateful for. That is one of the many advantages of being the PE teacher- you get to meet & greet everyone in building. There are several teachers that I became close to such as Turner, Sawyer, Moore, J.P., Camp, and Jackson... your friendship will always mean so much to me & my heart is blessed to have experienced our chats. Camp-Platt, stay at honey! There are a few that hold a VERY special place in my heart. So this next section is for the "click." 

Pam, Casie, and Donna

Where would any of us be without you three? I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am to have had you in the office helping me, encouraging me, and just listening... there were times neither one of you had to say anything- you just listened. Thank you for those moments. You all work harder than anyone I've seen, and you do not get the credit you deserve. Casie, thank you for your encouraging emails that helped get me through & keeping your candy bowl full. Pam, I could go to you about anything and I knew it would be in confidence. You don't find many like that anymore. Donna, my second "momma" as I call you... the woman with the golden heart. As frustrated as I have seen you get your heart remained. You've always been their to teach me and oh have I learned. I will miss you all so very much. 

Kristen Sellers (I mean... Brown)

Yes- the princess deserves her own section of course. The only one that tells you like it is whether it be what type of shoes to wear, which earrings go with what outfit, or simply telling someone to mind their own business... that's my girl. You are the most strong-willed, stubborn, and most heart-felt person I know. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and I am so proud to call you my close friend. You are an amazing teacher. I didn't have to be in your classroom to see that. I have seen your eyes light up when those little ones come walking down your hallway. I have watched you laugh with them & cry with them. I hope that you are at Lake View for a long time, but if God chooses for you to be some where else then please know that you're going to be great there too. I love you sister :)

Sheila, Tiffany, and Misty (the car-pull crew)

I know change is hard. Trust me... I know. But please know that no one can separate great friends. It would take more than the bricks of a building. You three have been so good to me, and I cherish every moment we have spent together. May God continue to shine through all of you. I am truly blessed that I was able to teach with such great teachers. 

Nikki

You've always been the "strong one." You've been the one I run to for all the answers. You've seen me through some tough times and walked with me through the best times. Your friendship will always be apart of me. There could be a day that I feel of absolute dreadfulness, and you make me laugh with your honesty. There aren't many people in this world like you Nikki. I am grateful that I have been blessed to continue a friendship with you. 

Andi & Kelli (two peas in a pod)

Could two people get any closer? I really don't think so. These two are inseparable. Kelli keeps Andi straight, and Andi keeps Kelli's memory straight. I will truly miss seeing you both everyday. Kelli, thank you for sharing your room with me :) Andi, thank you for being the honest person that you are. There are times we don't really like to hear things BUT we NEED to hear them. That's where you come in! Being around you both has made me such a stronger person. You both are so special, and God has some amazing things in store for you & your families. I'll see you two at the pool plenty so I want get all "sappy" on you :)

Leah Colley (the best for last)

Where do I begin? I am already in tears just by typing your name. From day one you have encouraged me, fought for me, laughed with me, and cried with me. You have seen me through obstacles in my life that I thought I'd never overcome. God truly blessed me with your friendship Leah. Besides leaving the kids & families at LVES- it's leaving you that hurts me the most. I know that no matter where we are in the world that our friendship will remain; however, we will not have that luxury of seeing each other every day and that alone breaks my heart. You have been my mentor, my listener, and my backbone. You have a pure heart, and you see the good in everything. I hope & pray that I will be able to do the same within my life. I literally don't know where'd I'd be without you. You're the one who helped me through one of the darkest times in my life. You brought me to the realization that good CAN overcome the bad. You encouraged me to go on that first date with Steven, and now he is my fiance! I'm not sure I'd be where I am today without you pushing me along the way. You, and your entire family, will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. I can honestly say that there is no distance that will come in between our friendship. I am thankful for many things, but being thankful for you is at the top of the list. Thank you for everything Leah. I love you so much. I look forward to that day that we are standing on the curb in our workout gear & sending our kids off to school together. Yours will be a little older than mine, but don't worry...if they have a relationship like ours... it'll last forever. 

Just a few of my favorite memories from Lake View... I will cherish these memories forever.