This morning before we headed out of town, Joy and I were able to pop in on the last day of school program at Bowman Hills elementary. It always feels funny walking back into the school where I attended grade school. But today was especially different. It was my mother's last day of school...after 22 years of teaching. I believe I was in the third grade when she started at Bowman Hills, and over the years she has taught kindergarten and pre-first, fifth & six, third & fourth, and for the past several years, first & second.

First, a few shots from the classroom. The pre-program had already begun so we were just snooping at this point.

Now to the program. The children's choir was recognized for all their work and dedication throughout the year.

The students and teachers and several of the moms had designed some skits for her. This cute little girl sang a song about Hawaii because one of the options for her going away gift was a partial trip to Hawaii.

Then they did a skit and these two students pretended they were my parents eating out at a fancy restaurant. It was hilarious!

Twenty-two years is a lot of love.

They also presented her with a nice gift and a scrapbook the chronicles all her years of teaching. And then Mr. Robbins, the school principal, presented her with one final gift.

And finally, this poster, which someone had placed on the door to the first and second grade classroom.

My brothers and I spent a lot of time at the school growing up. Early in the morning, late in the afternoon, such is the life of a teacher's kid. We usually filled the time with sports or homework or something far from mischievous.

We may have complained a little bit at the time, but looking back, she did a fantastic job balancing family priorities and responsibilities at work.

Everyone says that teachers have it made because they only work nine months out of the year and have three months of vacation. Well, I'll be the first to say, that's far from the case. Over the past few years she has worked countless weekends, long days in the summer, continuing education, serving on boards, leading out in committees, and a whole lot more that I don't even know about. And not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

Now it's time to relax, celebrate and take it easy. Congratulations, Mom, we're proud! read more »