Last Friday, I was teaching 2nd grade, and was looking at the books in the classroom selection. I found a book that seemed to be a sequel to one of my childhood favorites, Ira Sleeps Over. It was Ira Says Goodbye. I picked it up and read it. By the time I finished reading it, I was in tears. Not just misty eyed, but actually holding back sobs. You see, Ira's best friend Reggie was moving away. All my life, Reggie lived next door to Ira. Now I discover the sad truth of their parting. I was amazed at how hard it hit me.

Fortunately, the kids were out at recess at the time, so I had a few minutes to get myself together, but it was tough.