A few days from now, a chapter in my life will be closing and a new one starting. It’s hard to move from your comfort zone to the unknown. Most of my adult life has been linked to teaching and to the unconditional love given by children. It doesn’t mean life was perfect. Perfection does not exist, but the joy and exuberance that children bring to the people around them has kept me motivated to learn and teach. I have a lifetime of wonderful memories that have helped make me the person I am today.
Another sad chapter has closed as well. Our dear friends, Al and Billie Behrens, moved close to their children about three months ago.
Billie was a special lady. She fought cancer for several years with never a complaint. This Saturday, the day before Al’s 90th birthday party, Billie lost her battle and won the victory in Jesus. I cannot imagine the depth of his grief, nor can I imagine the loneliness he is about to face. All I can do is share my friendship whenever needed.
Part of the sharing was driving to Bryan to visit Al in the hospital. He has a severe infection in his foot, and quite frankly, I feared the worst. He and Russ had a great engineering talk, and by the time we left, he was in better spirits. We must pray for his infected foot.
The elementary had two wonderful field trips last week. Instead of field day, because of the extreme heat, they went to Extreme Jumping for the day. I don’t think they jumped enough energy out because most of them were still live wires at church Wednesday evening.
Thursday, all AR students went skating with Mrs. Kubin. I took the day off, so I’m sure they had a blast. Sixth grade went to Enchanted Rock with me and Mr. Brown, the high school science teacher, who graciously took them to the top while I sat on the bottom. We had a perfect day for the climb, and I regretted not going. My buddy, Mrs. Starr, kept telling me don’t climb. I took her advice and stayed put. Once we made it to the Llano River, I ploughed ahead and took the students into the river to rock hunt. The journey was harder than usual because there was little water. Even under the dam, it was only waist deep. I don’t think I have ever seen it this low. Friday was the Sports Banquet, and there were many awards to distribute to this exceptional group of young athletes.
This week was wrap-up week. Hopefully, everyone turned in their grades and cleaned out their lockers. Parents, there are multiple jackets and other items of clothing that are in the lost and found. I don’t know why kids don’t recognize their own clothing, but all items will be donated next month. If you have been wondering where a certain item could be, come by and check out our stash.
Praise God for the wonderful rain. We need more, but this will help some. The Baccalaureate Ceremony was excellent. Each year, the Christian Church invites our seniors to this special spiritual send off. Our twelve seniors were presented with gifts from the church.
Sierra Tharp thanked the church for their hospitality, and Savannah Perry read the Scripture. Mr. Womack gave an excellent speech of encouragement and direction for our graduates. Thank you to all who participated and the church members for their hospitality.
We have a lengthy list for prayers; our country needs prayers. I feel as if I and the rest of the world are watching the demise of the U.S. civilization. All great empires lasted about 200 years, and our great experiment is in danger. Please pray for our nation, for Ukraine, for our sick and those who have lost family. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families.