Sunday, June 19, 2011

Attending Your Own Funeral

OK, so the title's a little morbid. But hang in there ... I promise there's a point.

This week, I officially say good-bye to the only school where I've ever taught. It's bittersweet. I'm excited about my new position in an incredible school. But, I'm sad to leave the students whom I've grown so attached, the Drama Club that I've created (and, quite frankly, am scared silly that it will not continue), and the friends I've made.

Now getting to the title. Last week, I was blessed to attend my own funeral. By that I mean that I felt all the love, support, affection, and gratitude that's usually reserved for ... well ... one's funeral. Over the course of three days, I cried, laughed, reminisced, and celebrated with students, parents, and colleagues both privately and publicly. The amazing thing was that I didn't have to wait to receive it. Yes, technically I had to wait until I was leaving before I got it. But at least I wasn't dead.

But seriously. It was incredible. Words cannot properly describe it. I would imagine it's what winning the Superbowl is like in your last season having never won a Superbowl before. It's a gift I couldn't have imagined getting. One I will never, ever forget. I don't think they will every truly understand how much it meant to me.

So, I encourage you all to attend your own funeral. And for others to give someone you really care about a fitting funeral ... now ... while they can enjoy it. I mean it. Don't wait. Don't wait until it's too late to show or tell someone how much they meant to you. Don't wait to say "I love you" or "I appreciate you" or "You've meant the world to me." Don't wait until their about to leave ... don't let it get to that point.

Say it now. Say it boldly. Say it often. Say it from the heart. Most importantly ... say it.