I parked my car on May Street one last time, for one final drop off. You are my last child, and this is our last experience saying good-bye at New School West. But you quickly found a spot up at the front to be close to the story telling as Paola began morning circle. I lingered, trying to absorb every last moment. I hoped that you would notice that we didn’t say good-bye. I wanted to hug and kiss you. I wanted to hold you extra tight today, but you were already engaged and I would have had to wade through rows of friends and interrupt their story time. Cynthia sat as she often does, strategically perched, slightly off to the side where she can see all, but close enough for a needed caress, and establishing a sense of security that is sensed by all. She called out to you, “Your Mom wants to say ‘good-bye.’” You popped your golden head up from in front of the group, turned toward me, flashed that billion dollar smile and…”Bye Mommy!” Still, I paused, expecting more, wanting more. Cynthia looked my way and knowingly smiled. Time stood still. Flora, who was settling a friend into circle, caught wind of my circumstance and looked my way with a reassuring smile. Dejected, I walked pass the yellow line and out the door for one final time. In my mind, I squeezed you like crazy.
Thank you, New School West. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. I have learned so much by actively participating on the documentation committee. I was the lucky one, getting to be the fly on the wall that every parent hopes to be! I got to see the inner workings. I’ve seen the smooth and delicious days and the bumpy ones. I got to see RESPECT being modeled and how it was reciprocated in spades not only among and toward the teachers, but amongst the children. I watched as slowing things down, active listening, valuing other people’s space, self expression and so much more became tools that the children continued to add to their repertoire.
Thank you for helping me raise my children. Thank you for giving my family a place of comfort, security and wisdom. I love you all so dearly. You are all so unique and possess qualities that I am so proud to say my girls have come to embody and I know that these qualities will continue to blossom. My heart is full with a passion for this school that transcends any words I could ever find. But, I will try.
My children are a gift to me and I believe that I am a good mother. However, it is with the guidance of Roleen, Kris and the teachers at NSW, especially those that I’ve spent extensive time with, talking, crying, and sharing stories with that I’ve become that much stronger. I am that much more present. I am that much more aware. You have helped me ground this family. You have given our family time, patience, empathy, humor and so much more. I will miss you all so much it hurts. I know where to find you. But, it won’t be quite the same. I don’t get to see your smiling faces every day or hear Amy’s laughter from the courtyard.
All my love, Byron
Mother of Ava ‘10 and Tatiana ‘12
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