During the first half of my teaching career I was pretty adamant about not wanting to live in the community in which I was teaching.  I wasn’t concerned about the choices I make in my personal life.  It was just that after spending every day as Mr R, I wanted to go home and not have to be Mr R.  I needed time to just be me.  Fast forward to retirement and I am glad I spent my last years of teaching in the community in which I live.  Why?

Last evening my wife and I went to the local farmer’s market.  During our initial trip around the small area, I ran into a former student and the parents of three others.  The student was excited to tell me that her daughter goes to pre-school with my grandson.  One parent shared how her daughters were doing since graduation.  Another parent shared her frustrations with the ongoing challenges they have had with their son and the hope that they have recently turned a corner.  A set of parents excitedly shared how their son, who adamantly was not going to be a teacher and a runner (something both his Dad and I have in common), has become….you guessed it….a teacher and a runner.  If I had lived somewhere else, it is likely I would not have heard any of this.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to see the value in building relationships.  Without question, I understand needing some time to just be you.  Now in retirement, when I spend most of my time being just me, I occasionally get to be Mr R again.  And that is a pretty special feeling.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert