Five Minute Friday - Last

It is Friday and time for me to set my timer, clear my head, and experience five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right. So what are the rules?  They are simple:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back to Lisa Jo's blog and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments.
Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.. OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on...

Last…

Go: 

There are always lasts when there are firsts.   I remember the first day of school for each of my children.  I remember crying as they walked through the doors of the school.  I also remember the last first day for them and the last day ever when the baby graduated.  Where did the time go?

I remember the last time I lived alone.  Kat was away at college and I was single once more.  I remember stretched out in the floor of my living room, crying.  Then Kat came home with chicken pox for ten days and I remember rejoicing....when she left.  Times change when we least expect them.  I eventually grew to like living alone.  You don't have to answer to anyone.

I remember the last time I saw my mom.  It was our Fall Break and I was going to see my friend Susan in Knoxville.  We had not even been there for twenty-four hours when I got the dreaded call.  If I had only known it would be the last time I would lay my head upon her chest and hear her heart beat.  

I remember crying when my last graduating class of seniors took the field.  This would be the last time I would be a senior advisement teacher. 

I remember the last moments I spent with my dad and the last day of fall term in 2009.  I will never forget that day.  I arrived at school only to be told that my father was dead.  I remember my friend Susan staying with me.....and then I remember when she left to go home.....she asked me if I was ok and I thought I was....it was time.....she left....and I crashed.  Ten minutes later she knocked on my door.....I fell into her arms sobbing.  She had forgotten her wallet.  When she left again....I was fine.   

Last first days, last moments spent with friends and family before they were taken from this earth.  Last trips, last loves, last....last....last......but as sad as this post has made me.....I have to know that for every last I experience there will be or was a first....and I smile. 

In August of 2014 I will begin my last first day of my last year.  In May of 2015 I am looking forward to experiencing my last day as a teacher....but like I said....for every last....there is a first....and in June of 2015 I will experience my first day.....as a retired person.  I will have arrived.

STOP