I promise this will be my last post about this, but I really couldn't resist. Today is the last day of my 32-year teaching career. I am officially retired in 4 hours. I was going to post something about what teaching meant to me today but then a student handed me a note. The note said everything I felt about teaching. It was wonderful. It completely encapsulated why I think my job is so important. For any teachers out there, or anyone who wonders why people teach, I'm posting the note here for you (I did ask my students' permission). I am not going to lie, it was hard for me not to sit down with her and say," Let's see if we can tighten this up," but I didn't. These are her words, complete.

I just wanted to say thank you for being one of the best teachers I have ever had. It honestly makes me really sad to know that you are retiring this year, especially since I graduate tomorrow night. It feels emotional knowing that this chapter is ending because you have been such an important teacher to me and so many other students. Thank you for always making me laugh, especially on days when I was in a bad mood or going through a hard time. Even when I didn’t feel like smiling, somehow you always found a way to make class fun or make me laugh without even trying. That meant more to me than you probably realize. You made school easier on hard days. You are not just a teacher to me, you are someone I will always remember for your kindness, humor, patience, and the way you always cared about your students. A lot of teachers teach lessons from books, but you taught lessons that people will carry through life. You made a difference in so many lives, including mine. It honestly hurts to know you are retiring, because teachers like you are hard to find. I’m really going to miss seeing you at school, hearing your jokes, and the way you could always make everyone smile. Even Years from now, I know I will still remember your class and the impact you had on me. As I graduate tomorrow night and move on to high school, I just want you to know that I’ll never forget you or everything you’ve done for us. Thank you for always being supportive, funny, caring, and real with your students. You truly made school a better place. I hope you have the best retirement ever and an amazing summer. You deserve the happiness, rest, and so many good memories after everything you have done for your students over the years. Thank you for everything, Mr. Daley. I am going to miss you so much.

I just had the insanely jarring realization that honeymoons are a thing and I completely forgot about them when I set my username. I’ve always used “ golden moon” something as gaming usernames and just thought honey moon was a cute variation 🫠

This made me start wondering if I was similarly misreading anyone else’s usernames and what some of them meant. So while I think of a new username, I wanted to ask everyone what’s the story behind your username? 👀

Edit: The rebrand has been done 😌