"Too late smart" is a common feeling for me as I am now officially well into being 'elderly'. The good people at the Thai school at Wat Klang again acted out a farewell ritual that 'blew me away' last year. It had slipped out of my consciousness until they did it again this year.
Every year they plan a wonderful farewell event for my last day at school. Last year they daubed my cheeks with clay and poured rose water over my folded hands in a ritual of blessing. This year there was a ceremony with speeches and presents. But, it's what came after that made me wish I'd have adopted the practice during my working years.
At the conclusion of the farewell ceremonies last year the entire school accompanied me from the school grounds to my waiting ride. This year the whole school practically carried me outside for a whole school picture,,,the fact that I was bloodied indicates the enthusiasm of their accompaniment. After the picture it was time for the students to begin afternoon classes so they departed . But, I was not left alone. A few of the teachers and the principal stayed with me until my ride arrived. They then took my book bag, my gifts and escorted out the school gate to the car before saying their final goodbyes.
The normal daily routine as lunch wit the teachers end I say goodbye and that I'll see them tomorrow and I walk off to await my ride. While I wait students will often gather me around to relate and when the ride comes I say goodbye and walk away. It is always hard to leave on the last day. But there is something profoundly powerful in being accompanied to my ride...not just walking off by myself. It's an opportunity I failed often during my work life, and, one which I'm going to try to use in the future.
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| 2016 Placing a garland around my neck. |
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| 2016 Blessing me with water poured over my hands. |
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| 2017 Students gathered to say goodbye. |
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| 2107 The Principal presents a gift. |
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