For When You Leave Your Job

Dear reader,

If you’ve been following my letters for a while now you know that in the last days of my job at the daycare were bittersweet. I thought it would be fitting to write a farewell letter to the job and the people that I’ve gotten to care for. 

Dear daycare. 

If I’m honest I was quite hesitant when I learned of the opportunity to work with you. 

Not that I have anything against children, I love them. But the idea of working at a daycare never crossed my mind or even excited me. 

I have learned so much from you. Things I will bring with me after I’m gone, and things about myself I hope to leave behind. 

You’ve taught me to have a childlike perspective at all times. To not be afraid to get down on one knee and listen to their ‘why’. 

Always be willing to give a hug, no matter how much sweat, tears, or snot is involved in the transaction. 

You’ve kept me on my toes. To problem solve in very creative ways. 

You’ve instilled in me an attitude of discipline and respect, one I thought I had before but now it is more concrete. 

You’ve taught me how little others know. Yes, children are young, but I should never assume that others around me know everything that I do. No matter their age or background. 

I’ve seen a lot of kids get lied to. I didn’t like that, I understand the motives behind it, but I still believe in telling kids the truth at all times no matter the cost. 

I’ve seen how easily a kid can be hurt. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are such fragile beings and they need to be nurtured in the most caring way. 

I’ve seen kids eager to learn. If you ever have the chance to teach them something they didn’t know before I guarantee you won’t regret it. 

I held many nicknames and titles while I was with you.

A Sensei. 

A Pirate Captain. 

A Camp Counselor. 

A King. 

A Father figure. 

An Astronaut.

A Cat in the Hat. 

A Pooh Bear.

An old man.

A Police Officer.

A Super Hero. 

A Bluey Enthusiast.

A Chef. 

A Pickle. 

A Rockstar. 

A Circus Ringleader.

A Dog. 

A Cat. 

A Monkey. 

An Alien. 

A Robot. 

A Surgery Patient. 

A Big Brother. 

Mitchie Poo, and so much more. 

You allowed me to be a teacher. 

Something I never knew I wanted to be. 

Thank you for that. 

I am forever grateful for all the memories that I will hold onto from my time here. 

The good, the bad, and the ugly all shaped me in one way or another. 

My character has changed and been molded more and more as the days went on. 

You were a part of that. 

I’d be lying if I said saying goodbye would be easy. 

Imagine not seeing all those kiddos' faces light up every day when they first see me. 

To not run around and chase them making silly monster noises. 

To not just play every day with kids I legitimately care for. 

I’ve been dreading this day for a long time.

But know this daycare, I won’t easily forget you. 

I’ll be praying for all that go inside that old family video building. 

God’s got so much in store for all of you. 

I’ve seen immense joy and sorrow in our short time together. 

It’s all been worth it. 

I don’t regret any time spent with you. 

I need to leave now but know this if I get the chance to come back and be with you all again I will take it. 

So who knows, I might be seeing you soon.

The world better watch out for the 4’s and 5’s I taught in my classroom. 

They’re going to be ballistic missiles heading out into the world. 

They’ll be immensely silly, kind, creative, and servant-hearted.

At least that’s what I hope I’ve taught them to be.  

Farewell Daycare, you will always have a special place in my heart.

Sincerely Your Fellow Child at Heart, 

-Pickle Mitchell