The Gathering

 We have a house full of teachers on a somewhat frequent basis. To be moderately precise, twice a year. Once at the end of the year, and again at the end of the year. To be even more precise, before winter break and before summer break. 

Usually, by the time December rolls around, most of us are coming up on the deep-fried setting. Many of those high hopes we had set for ourselves and our students have dimmed slightly and the idea of spending a couple weeks away from one another seems like a very good idea. But before we head off to our caves for that scheduled hibernation/rejuvenation, the folks at my school have made a tradition of gathering at my house to sluff off the work-related stress with one evening of mild frivolity before we make that big turn into the new calendar year. 

A word comes to mind: cathartic. 

When January arrives, we are once again prepared to face the rigors of teaching, and tuck away those regrets in order to focus on the potential that greets us every Monday through Friday, anxious to get onto the playground and happy to go home again when the bell rings at the end of the day.. We know that we can make magic happen, though sometimes it seems that we could use just a little more pixie dust or just a few extra days. 

Then, just like we drew it up, the end of the school year comes. Only now it's in May, and we turn in report cards that tell a story about us teachers as much as it does about our students. What did we leave out? What did we carelessly gloss over? What challenges await us in the coming year? 

Which is why we all gather in my back yard, burning some hot dogs, burgers both possible and impossible, and sharing the trials and tribulations of the most recent semester with one another before we go our separate ways. Not for a couple weeks this time. But for a couple months. We share stories about moments that amused us and/or tested our patience. We ask about plans for the break, and for some what happens once they leave us. Not just for weeks, but for ever. 

There are goodbyes. There are see you soons. There are hugs. And a tear or two. Those who have entered into the parent portion of their lives leave earlier, because their kids are their focus now. Because they are starting their vacation. Hanging around with your own kids is different.

At least that's how I remember it. 

We'll be back at it soon enough.