Getting ready for the Unwanted to come to a Close: Destination 18

June 4, 2010: Destination 18 of the Unwanted Necklace

So much has happened since Cheryl and I began the Journey of the Unwanted Necklace on Thursday, October 15, 2009. What began as a collaborative writing project to keep us sane this school year, turned into an emotional roller coaster ride for both of us. The necklace was there, either on us or by our side, as we learned so much about each other, and more importantly, ourselves.

The necklace forced us to look beyond what others see. It made us look past what neither of us wanted to accept or deal with. It made us search inside ourselves and each other. Sometimes it showed us things we did not want to see. It caused confrontations and tears. It uncovered secrets and it told lies. The unwanted necklace represented the very lives we lived. It appeared one way but desired to be seen in a different way. It wanted love and acceptance. It wanted to be happy and whole.

As the 2009-10 school year winds down, the journey must also end. While it seems sad to both of us, we know that it is time. The smell of summer's humidity is right outside the door, reminding us that change is just a calendar page away. Cheryl will end a long stretch at the 3rd grade level as I end a 14 year residency in the only classroom I have ever known as a Red Creek teacher.

While both of us have new things to look forward to in September, we won't forget the lessons learned this year. We will hold onto the positive outlook we climbed uphill to find. We will embrace the happy changes that we both brought into our lives. Most of all, I know that we will hold onto the dear friendship that we have cultivated these last 9 months, as we close the door together on this wild journey we have traveled. ~Sue