the amazing ones

i just want to round up the cutest and best ones (and their parents).. and ask them why they smile and how they do it. they're happy, content, easy to converse with, excited to learn. they are so amazing.

and for the first time last friday, my heart quivered a little when i realized that i'm not returning next summer. samuel, with his sweet smile, patient soul, and watchful eye over his little brother alexander, waved goodbye to me, and we squeezed in a side hug. he's not coming back for another week of camp this summer... and next year, i won't know how big he's grown or how much sweeter he's become. a few weeks ago, i said bye to darren too, who's graduating (like me?) because he's a rising 8th grader, old enough to share secrets with me and still young enough to get excited about dissections. i only got to see kate once this summer, and i can't bear to think of the last week that natalie is here. i want to wrap her up and take her home, peach, polyps, and all. and anna, and nickb, and chris with his goofy smile and blond mop (only one week too?!). sigh. there are so many of them!

it's true, i love kids. they make my job worthwhile.