The sun shone brightly as I waved the cars forward. Yesterday was my first day of duty for the year and it felt glorious.
Walking into school that morning I could feel it in the air. The last few weeks, I’d been grumpy. Heck, almost every teacher had been grumpy. Yesterday felt different because we had a two-day week ahead of us and Thanksgiving was coming.
And so, I stood out front, waving cars forward, a smile on my face. I was wearing a hat I’d knit as a Christmas present for my mom a few years ago. It was the only article of clothing I took from her house, but I felt close to her wearing it, and happy because of the bright colors.
Some people waved back as I rotated my hand, guiding them forward. Maybe they could feel it in the air, too. The few people I had to speak to for minor infractions of the “active drop off” rule seemed remorseful. I even shared a silent chuckle with a few as we watched a clown car performance – a small car that spilled out several students, their backpacks, and rather large instrument cases. There were a few eye rolls, and some impatient people, but I really can’t remember them. Yesterday, it was all about the good and I am thankful for that.
booksandbassets 
What a lovely slice! I could feel the lightness of your mood. I am glad that your experience with traffic duty was much better than what we experience at my school. People can be downright nasty! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a relaxing break. 🙂
In praise of deliberate wardrobe choices: That lovely handmade hat has “not grumpy” written all over it! Best wishes for the holiday season, Adrienne.
What I love here are the bald truths – you and “every teacher had been grumpy” – how well we know it! I love that your mother’s hat made such a difference, in feeling her near and in its cheerfulness. So symbolic. Such an uplifting slice.
The happiness of this post just shines through. Happy Thanksgiving.