No Elation, Just Fatigue, at End of Battle
By DW Davis
@DWDavis (25812)
Pikeville, North Carolina
June 9, 2017 5:43pm CST
Perhaps "Battle" is a bit of a harsh way to describe what I've been through over the last couple of years, though with the fighting and my being "wounded" enough to seek medical attention at least once, perhaps it isn't.
One would think I would be happy about the school year, especially this school year, being over. I cannot describe the feeling I am having, but it isn't happiness. I described it to my misses as the feeling a soldier must have when he is a survivor but his side loses the battle. Perhaps my mind and body are finally giving in to the fatigue I've been holding at bay for the last two weeks.
Have you ever finished a task, thinking you'd be elated when it was over, only to find yourself more exhausted than elated?
20 people like this
19 responses
@DWDavis (25812)
• Pikeville, North Carolina
10 Jun 17
I had so many students I taught last year, who will now be going on to high school, come by and thank me for being the best teacher they ever had, I think I started having second thoughts about leaving. One young lady was nearly in tears because I wouldn't be at the high school when she got there next year.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (111177)
• El Paso, Texas
10 Jun 17
That's the part that kicks the idea of retirement into second field @DWDavis but then in the middle of the next school year the ole "gotta git outta here" idea creeps up again. Maybe you could simply start teaching a much younger group?
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
9 Jun 17
Yes it probably is fatigue DW but also the feeling of leaving people you have been close to behind. It is not all that meets the eye here..your mixed emotions are real.
Plus you are not a quitter, you have a conscience about things and others, so it is not so simple.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
10 Jun 17
@DWDavis Well have a little rest and some comfort knowing that you did your utmost. And that respect has followed you.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
9 Jun 17
I think this is a bittersweet situation. I'm sure there are some students you will really miss but the bad outweighed the good, so it was impossible to stay.
I'm sure you are exhausted and you have been through a lot.
2 people like this
@DWDavis (25812)
• Pikeville, North Carolina
10 Jun 17
This past year was unlike any other I've ever had. There are some students I will miss, who I came to care about deeply, or came to rely on as helpers. Sadly, they are few in number compared to those whom I loved the way the Lord wants me to love them, but I will not miss them.
@moffittjc (118448)
• Gainesville, Florida
10 Jun 17
That's how I feel at the end of every summer. I am so worn out from managing our city's public swimming pools that I feel exactly as you do...a wounded soldier returning from battle.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118448)
• Gainesville, Florida
11 Jun 17
@DWDavis It's why I have gray hair at such a young age!
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@NJChicaa (116002)
• United States
10 Jun 17
@DWDavis I hope your experience in a private school is much better than what you've had in public education. I'd never do it as the pay in NJ doesn't compare plus no tenure. I'm too far invested into this district to ever consider a move anyway.
1 person likes this
@librarygeek1980 (3137)
• United States
9 Jun 17
I'd like to think of this is maybe we are just tired in every aspect of the word, and maybe as we get older, we get sick and tired of things more easily. But, I do know that if we keep going and try to enjoy life a little, we do experience the little joys that do come along.
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25812)
• Pikeville, North Carolina
10 Jun 17
I have never been this wrung out at the end of a school year, but today had it's special moments, too. Students from the prior year who will be moving on to high school coming by to thank me meant the world to me. I know I've made a positive impression on some.
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25812)
• Pikeville, North Carolina
10 Jun 17
@librarygeek1980 I think it's great that you stay in touch with them. I have one special class of kids I taught, nearly all of whom have sought me out on FB, and I seem to hear from a new one every week or so. If every class I had could be like that class, I'd never retire.
1 person likes this
@librarygeek1980 (3137)
• United States
10 Jun 17
@DWDavis thats good, I am actually Facebook friends with some of my old teachers from 20 something years ago. Those are the ones that made the most positive difference.
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@GardenGerty (157555)
• United States
10 Jun 17
Yes, I have felt that way many times. I will admit it has often been when I wrapped up a job. It also has been when dealing with various health crises.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
10 Jun 17
Stress will take a lot out of you, and I'm sure you're a bit anxious about the new position. You'll be fine after a short break.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
10 Jun 17
@DWDavis I'm sure that will help a lot!
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@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
10 Jun 17
Yes, every time I redo a rental. I hand the keys over knowing good and well they will destroy all my hard work.
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@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
10 Jun 17
sounds more like relief. i'm glad the students let you know how they feel.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
9 Jun 17
You time to rest body and mind and indulge in personal pursuits. Time will offer balm and you will feel some excitement over your new challenge ahead.
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