Empty room, full heart

This is it.
All packed up for summer. 
My room is empty but my heart is full.
Normally this last day of school I am running to the staff luncheon and grabbing a toast. And just as quick I am headed home.
Today I linger.
Longer than even on a usual day. 
It's Friday at 4:08.
I can't believe this year is done. Another one in the books. 
I looked over my blog from the last day last year. I was heartfelt. I was proud of how far I stretched myself as an educator. 
But not today.
Today, I stare at this empty room and think where did my time go. It's a lot like when I dropped my eldest off at college for the first time.
How did it go so fast?
I want more time with them.
I want to make one more memory.
I want to greet them one more morning.
Did I teach them everything I needed to?
These 20 munchkins stole my heart. They truly took a piece of it.
If last year's class pushed me to stretch myself, then this class took me and cared for me. They filled my bucket. 
I stare at this empty room and think these are awfully big desks to fill. I don't know how the next class will do it. I don't know what awaits. But I know the 1A class of 2018 set the bar high. 
But it's off to enjoy summer. Tutor. Learn more on my Literacy Journey. Prep for next fall. But I think my mind will drift a lot to wonder how my 20 kiddos are doing. I will hold on to the giggles, hugs, smiles, and "best teacher" notes and hope to catch a glimpse of them walking the halls when they visit their new 2nd grade class. 
​Happy Summer.