"You're our bookshelf of happiness...that will soon be gone"

Well.  This is it.  Today was my last day as Marshall Lane's Library / Media clerk.  I feel so lucky to have been a part of the Marshall Lane family for 13 years in the library and as a volunteer before that.  I was so genuinely touched by the outpouring of love and affection I received from the students, the teachers and the parents.  Sometimes I can't believe I'm going.  But I am.  On Monday I will be the new Information Resource Specialist at Campbell Middle School.

I brought home a box of cards and notes and class books and gifts that I received today.  On a day to day basis, I realize that what I do is important.  I'm passionate about it because I believe it's important and can only hope that I can make a small difference for some of the kids that pass through my library.  Reading all the notes that students have written me shows me that I have had some impact on my students.  Apparently, I'm doing something right.

On my drive home this afternoon, there were so many things I wanted to say here.  Now that I sit in front of the computer, I'm not sure what it is I want to say anymore.  I don't want to be sad.  I'm going to miss everyone terribly, but I don't want to be sad.  Also, I have a cold and it's clouding my mind.

I've learned so much in my years at Marshall Lane.  I had very little experience when I started this job.  I had just been a library volunteer.  I thought it would be a great little job to have while my kids were in school.  As it turned out, I loved the job.  I wanted to learn more about it.  So I learned as much about it as I could on my own and the more I learned the more I loved it.  Then, when NCLB was put in place and suddenly, everyone had to prove they were "highly qualified" to perform there jobs, those of us who did not have college degrees were required to take a test.  Well I was so insulted and indignant that I went right out and earned an A.S. degree in Library and Information Technology. I'm not sure what I was trying to prove or to whom I was trying to prove it but take that, NCLB!

Of course, once I started taking classes, I found out how much I didn't know, and I was humbled.

I feel like I'm meandering here.  But I guess it's my blog, I can meander if I want to.

Anyway.  The point is that the last two weeks have filled my heart with so many emotions, mostly love.  Marshall Lane will always be in my heart and I won't be far away.  My email remains the same!

 I promised all the kids that I would come back to visit on Friday, and I mean it.  I will.