06/12/2026
This post may come across as an acceptance speech but it is not. It's not an AI version to please the people either.
It's me. I'm controlling the music and the mic.
For more than 40 years I've been intertwined in an education system. First as a student and then a career employee. That's a long time people..a LONG time.
I can admit it wasn't always the best fit but I stayed. I can also admit, I didn't always make the best decisions but one thing is for sure, I always tried to do what was best for kids...Not The System. "Doing what's best for students is a cliche for a lot of folks but it wasn't for me.
I have a lot of people to thank but unfortunately this post won't include everybody by name but believe me many souls contributed to this journey.
So, here goes it.
First and at the top of the list is THE MOST HIGH God. My entire being is because of HIM. I made mistakes and he forgave me for every last one of them. In spite of it all, He still smiled on me.
I didn't always trust Him like I should but He always brought me through. He allowed the rain but He always allowed the sun to shine on me again.
To my dad...daddy I'm retired!
I remember when I started working, I would take off for any and everything. I can still hear you in my head..."You taking off again? You betta save them days, you don't know what or when you gonna need that time". It's funny because I rarely missed work.😁 I accumulated so many days, I almost left some on the table.
Anywho, yeah daddy 51 and retired!
Mama, ohhhh my mama. She held me together and GOT me together. Those got me together moments were the most memorable. Thank you for being that sounding board when I needed to let it out.
Sometimes I'd ramble and you didn't have a clue about the who or what but just listening did me a world of good. Thank you for coming to my defense in a ways that enabled me to keep my job.
To my husband, listen, he gone tell it to you straight and for me it was no different. Thank you for keeping me grounded. You consistently reminded me that worth doesn't lie in the opinions of people. Thank you for celebrating and walking with me through some of the most challenging times of my career.
My siblings...yall caught some of the rants too. You have that one who's going to dissect and process what you say and come up with a solution. Then you have those who are going to fight or wanna fight. They have no problem letting folks know.
In either case, I heard your heart. You were coming from a good place and I love you for it.
To my friends, I sincerely thank you. We taught together, trained together, laughed together, and cried together. Some went in other directions in terms of careers, schools, and positions but when we were together or came back together there was no time lost.
That's true friendship.
Now, to those who laughed, mocked and minimized...thank you all too. You had a purpose and I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without you. Growth happened because of you. A higher level of maturity was reached because of you.
Today marks a huge milestone for me. When I was 23, 51 seemed so far off but here I am. This chapter is closed but the book is still being written.
When and if you see me out and about wave and say hi. To those wondering if I'm making plans to sub, let me cut you off....No! Nope! Naw! Nahh! Absolutely not!
For those left in the trenches, I'm praying for you for real. Stay in it, if that's your hearts desire. If that's not your hearts desire or his will position yourself to exit.
I love you all and there's nothing you can do about it.💜
Retirement Est. June 11, 2026
