"I'll Not Be Far Away"

Here is the poem that I started at Four Peaks Elementary School but didn't finish it until I got to Thunder Mountain Middle School. I change and add to make it different for each class.

To the Graduates of 2009

Our time is coming to an end fast

I'm afraid I will not have time to finish

All that I want to do.

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

Why can't we all stay together?

Why does this have to be good-bye?

We had such great times.

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

We laughed at each other

We consoled each other

We shared some geat stories.

Is that all there is?

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

When you go out in the world

never forget who you are

and where you came from

and how truly special you are inside.

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

I fear that some of you will not be strong enough

To withstand the pressure of adolescence,

friends, and relationships.

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

When you think you can't go on

and that no one understands you

when nothing seems to go right,

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

When you leave here a part of my heart

Goes with each of you.

You take with you many experiences,

Many lessons,

and yes, many lectures.

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

And when you think that you have nothing left

that you can't dig down deep any longer

and that the cards are stacked against you,

Always remember,

I'll not be far away.

So my hearts,

The lessons have not been from the textbooks

Or what's been written on the overhead,

They have been what you have become

Since the moment you walked through the door

And what you are yet to become in life.

You will always be near me

Just a holler away

I will always be here for you,

Because

I'll not be far away.

(Always remember you can be whatever you want to be with hard work and perseverance. You are amazing students and do not allow anyone to tell you different. Be risk takers and enjoy the life you have been given. Make me proud!)

I enjoy the job I do but do not enjoy all the other outside interference whether it be the district or some complaining parents. I don't try to tell them their jobs or how to parent their kids so I would appreciate that they let me do mine because I do it very well. In fact, I tell my students that I am "THE BEST MATH TEACHER" in the world. They always get a kick out of that.