July 28, 2025
The first days back without kids could be frustrating. All I ever wanted in those days was to get my room ready for the kids. The meetings, at least some, were necessary and helpful. But this day, the Monday back with your co-workers was typically full of hugs, summer reflections, sharing time with your school family, and a shared excitement for the new school year to come.
Yep, I am admittedly having FOMO, the fear of missing out. I awoke eager to text my former 8th grade team, and other teaching friends. I know what this day looks like, and I’m not there sharing in it—right now, I miss this day. I miss the smiles and hugs. I miss the energy in the room and the hope and inspiration that often comes with the first day back.
Nonna Becky?
At 61 nicknames have been both temporary and permanent.
“Becky B” to my husband in our early years of marriage, “Beck” to family, La-Beckstra to my sister in law, “Beck-roda” to a dear friend from high-school, “Momma J” to some, “Jones” to a family near and dear to my heart, “Ms. Becky” to my children’s friends, “Aunt Becky” to my beloved nieces and nephews, “B” to my former student turned foster son, “Bebe” to his children, and “Nonna Becky” more recently to my former co-teacher and sweet friend Allie.
She says, I remind her of an Italian grandmother, a Nonna, and while I am only an honored to be an adoptive grandmother to Austin’s children (former student, now foster son-more later) I will happily serve as a gramma figure to Allie and anyone else that wants to hop aboard that ship. It’s sweet and an honor; I like how it makes me feel and how any part of me makes Allie feel loved, seen, safe, and heard.
Much gratitude to my gem of a friend and rockstar teacher for adding a most special nick-name to who I am and who I am becoming. I love you Allie Moss!
Hugs a plenty,
Nonna Becky
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