In the cycle of endings and beginnings this time of year always seems the busiest.
The long days make for early mornings and late nights, the hype of exams and the excitement to get away from high school for a couple of months raises the energy level, and the delight in fun activities and field trips make the younger students want to stay in school just a bit a longer.
It is a time for celebration and a time for change.
I'm always inspired at this time of year by the dedication of everyone involved in communities. As groups prepare for summer events, volunteers shine with dedication. School communities are places of gratitude as teachers, support staff, students and families gather to recognize the journey of past months and even years, working together.
I am inspired by the imagination of the children as they look towards the next few days, wondering what the beginning of the summer holidays will look like, and by the determination and slight hint of sadness as the graduates look out over a new landscape into the months and years ahead.
Life is always changing. I am one who doesn't like to say goodbye. In this era of Internet, text messaging and increasingly rare but economical phone calls, I don't really have to say goodbye, but I am starting to admit I won't be a part of the everyday conversation on the street for much longer.
I moved to Maidstone for two years, that was nine years ago. I have fallen in love with the community and the individuals.
I had never lived in a small town and although I spent countless hours on the highway keeping in touch with life in the cities I did find the cultural life and volume of activities to be much more vibrant than I imagined it would be.
One of the most beautiful things about the community is how strong families are. Many people share the postal code with grandparents, parents, children, siblings, nieces, nephews and more.
It has been one of the nicest things to see but also one of the hardest things for me. I do love spending time with the nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents of others but as we move down the highway, I am most excited about being closer to my own.
I won't forget my seasons in this small town and I'm grateful for all the kind words as I leave looking forward to the changes and possibilities before us.
