it's the end, again.

you'd think that by the fourth time i would have this down. this saying goodbye thing. nope, don't got it. in fact, it's getting harder and harder. it might be because my relationships with students are getting healthier and healthier as my boundaries are becoming clearer and clearer. suffice it to say, i will cry. again.

for them, the spring of 2008:

i am grateful for...
christie, who became an incredible listener and was an all around joy. were you ever in a bad mood?
katie s, the queen of cards. i hope you can remember your fears from the beginning; you've come so far.
chad, who impressed me with his courage to live with nineteen women, even if you don't believe that i know who pau, kobe, farmar, fish, and sasha are.
kaitlyn, who taught me about perseverance.
cari, who asked great questions and didn't settle for ignorance.
mikie, who reminded me about healthy eating and displayed deep compassion.
haley, your quiet leadership and big heart brought peace and joy to the house.
paula, the humility and generosity you showed to the house and in your internship was remarkable. and your food. paula, seriously. so good.
katey l, your attitude on life is so fun; i'm thankful for our lunches together; you taught me so much.
allison, who is an expert at looking cute all the time. your authenticity was so apparent this semester.
danielle, for sharing and asking advice, even when you didn't need to. your openness inspired me.
kerstin, for juggling bold and vulnerable so well. thank you.
molly, for loving me and letting me love you. you brought so much laughter to the house.
meghan, one of the the most open-minded people i've ever met. always impressing me.
jamie, i was inspired by how you were stretched and moved this semester, even when you could have walked away. don't ever forget about ray- those kids need you.
nikki, everyone wants to tell you their story first. you made us feel so important, all the time. i wish you could keep katja's prada shoes.
hannah, girl, you're spicy. but you're also the best transfer whose ever been here, even if you're allergic to everything.
kristen, oh kristen. your sass and your heart together make for a beautiful person. i can't wait to see you on the news in po-dunk mississippi. i'm glad you had so many firsts this semester.
sarah, for some reason hearts and purple seem so much cooler because of you. your honesty and beauty are so wonderful. because of you, i'll never settle.

spring of 2008, i will miss you dearly. you'll go down in [my] history as the easiest semester ever.