As summer ends I always have mixed feelings.

I feel happy – I get to see kids again, yet I feel anxious, am I up to the challenges of working with a new group of students? How long will it take me to learn all those new names?

I feel sad – my time will no longer be my own – I’ve gotten used to reading, writing, and going about my business on my own schedule.

I feel happy – I’ll get to see my work family again – we’ll laugh and cry together – we’ll nurture a new group of kids and help prepare them for high school.

I feel sad – I’ll be exhausted each and everyday – no time and no energy  to do many of the things I want to do.

I feel happy – my life will have structure – I’m not real structured on my own…

A bit of bitter and a big splash of sweet – and summer comes to its inevitable conclusion – dragging me with it.