It's Not a Farewell...

Kaden attends pre-school at a school that is very near and dear to our hearts & that's because Justin's mom, Kaden's Grammy, teaches there. "Teaches" doesn't even come close to what Janet means and does for this school. It amazes me how many times someone will stop her in a restaurant or at a school function and start chatting it up with her---and looking at them you would think she probably taught their kids but in reality, she taught the parents & the kids. That's just how long she has been teaching there.

Parents who have had her teach their older kids keep telling her "just five more years Janet and then you can retire. You see they want to ensure their youngest children have the privilege of being taught by her too and honestly, who can blame them.

At times she is lovingly referred to as Sargent South at school. But not because she's mean, because she expects the most from her students. And if you ask her students who their teacher is they will all reply in unison, "The most beautiful teacher at John Paul II."-- does she have them trained or what!

Well, today, we received our weekly newsletter from the school & in it was a letter from Mrs. South & it went like this...

Dear John Paul II Families and Community, 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Eccleiastes 3 

When I was young child, I didn't play with dolls, I played school. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher, and for 41 years, 39 of which have been right here at Queen of the Holy Rosary and John Paul II, I have done just that. And I have been blessed. But as the inspirational bible verse says, it's time for me to embrace a new season of my life. It will be full of hug and kisses from my grandchildren as well as new adventures for me. I  want to thank each and every one of you for your love and support throughout the years. You are part of me, and I hold you in my heart. This is not good bye, it's only farewell. You can't get rid of met that easily. I will be back to substitute and visit regularly. You will be in my prayers and I ask that I am in yours. 

Janet South                                           

It took me a few attempts to even make it through this short little {retirement} announcement. I am sure the thought of leaving something that she has known for 40+ years is terrifying but then to think about all the new adventures she will have is so exciting, especially since these new adventures will include my children. I know I speak for the whole family when I say that we couldn't be more proud of Grammy. She is not only an amazing mother, MIL, & Grammy but she is an amazing friend to all her colleagues, an amazing teacher to all her students & will be missed more than she could ever imagine. If I were John Paul II I would probably be naming the hallway the South Wing because students will be talking about her for years to come.

Congratulations Grammy, again, we all couldn't be more proud of the legacy you will leave behind at John Paul II and we couldn't be more excited for you to pack up your classroom and settle into your new "normal". 

Oh and we need a babysitter for a week in June, you're open now, right?!?!