"Walking out the do-oo-or"

Many of you know me personally and are aware that I am a proud three time "graduate" of the education system, the first time earning a OSSHD, the second a BSc/BPHE, and the last time a gold-plated ROFAH ... the much sought after credentials of Retired Old Fart And Happy. 

One of my newer friends is Mr Jay Rothenburg, Esq.

After a tremendously impactful career in the classroom, Jay is "pulling the chute" as it were, being bestowed his own gold-plated ROFAH, and leaving behind thousands of grateful youngsters whose lives were improved thanks to his passion, empathy, caring, and competence. As the driving force behind the music program at Barrie North for decades, Jay's never ending brilliance and energy will step aside for the next generation to hold of the torch. 

As a card-carrying ROFAH, I welcome Jay into the club with a hug and a huge smile. I offer my sincerest gratitude for his continuing friendship ... bike buds are the best friends. I give him a huge pat on the back for his part in making the future of Canada a little better. I pray that he will enjoy decades of ROFAH membership, wheeling his way around the world, gigging as much as is allowed, and basking in being the Master of his Domain.

I also pray that his love Helaina enjoys the Energizer Bunny around full time!

Jay, I found the following out there on the interWebs, and it resonated with me.

To every teacher walking out of the classroom for the final time,

In the coming days, many of you will lock the classroom door one final time, not just for the summer, but for good. Some of you are retiring after decades of shaping lives. Others are stepping into a new season of chasing dreams, healing from burnout, caring for family, or answering a different call.

Wherever you’re headed, we just want to say thank you. 

Sincerely, thank you.

Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the personal sacrifices. Thank you for believing in students who didn’t believe in themselves yet. For being a safe place. For teaching far more than what was in the curriculum, like resilience, respect, empathy, grace, and effort.

You were more than an educator. You were a mentor, a coach, a counsellor, a cheerleader, a pseudo-parent, a friend, and sometimes even a lifeline. Your fingerprints are all over the future in ways you’ll never fully see.

So as you walk out of the building one last time, know this…

You made a difference.

You mattered.

And you always will.

Here’s to your next chapter with deep gratitude and all our best.

Welcome to the club, my friend.

We've been waiting for you.