They are expecting a big crowd today to say goodbye to Ms. Sandy and Ms. Susan.
At a celebration today from 3 to 5 p.m. at the UNMC Child Development Center, kids and parents, current and former, will say goodbye to two teachers retiring after having been with the center since the day it opened its doors.
“We’re emailing as many of the former parents as we can remember,” said Kelly Rasmussen, who coordinates the center with Kris Swan.
The campus also is invited to the party for Sandy Larsen and Susan Risavi, who have each been at UNMC, with the center, just a few months short of 24 years.
They are spending their last day doing what they have always done — loving every kid who comes through the door.
“I’m passionate about it,” Risavi said. “My husband says, when I’m not around kids, I get grumpy.”
“It’s emotional,” Larsen said. “I’m leaving all of my babies and all of their families.”
Larsen has spent all of her time at the center caring for infants. Risavi has spent most of hers — has it been 15 years now? Twenty? — with 3-year-olds.
That’s a brave woman — 3-year-olds?
“The secret is to keep them busy,” she said.
They each know lots of secrets about taking care of kids.
They each still remember the excitement of getting ready for that first opening.
“I helped put toys together,” Risavi said. “Remember, Kelly?”
Rasmussen and Swan do. They have also been there from the beginning, as have been Kathy Stejskal and Stacey Saadat.
The center has never seen a day without these two teachers. “We’re going to terribly miss them,” Rasmussen said.
There will be lots of hugs today for Ms. Sandy and Ms. Susan. But then, there were every day, for the past 24 years.
My daughter Sydney had Ms. Sandy!! She was absolutely wonderful!!! I struggled with having to return to work and leave my precious baby and Ms. Sandy eased my fears instantly. Her love and passion for kids (especially babies) warmed my heart immediately! I hope she has an idea of how truly impacting that is!! Thank you for genuinely caring about your "job" which I am sure you didn't see it as that. I bet you saw it as a hobby 🙂 Enjoy whatever excitement lies ahead and please know that you are truly, truly appreciated!!!! You WILL be missed!
Ms. Sandy is truly one of a kind! I always looked forward to seeing you every morning and every evening during pick up and drop off. The kindness in your heart shines through the loving, hard work you do for our children day in and day out. I can't think of anyone else that I would have rather cared for our son as an infant… you did an amazing job and he is as smart as he is today because of the dedication you provided in getting his education off to a great start! Best wishes as you journey through retirement, you deserve the best! -Donovan's Mom
Why are they leaving? The story didn't say.
Both of my kids absolutely loved (and still love!) Ms. Sandy. It is so hard to turn your baby's care over to someone else, but when you find someone like Sandy you don't worry for one second. You know they have the very best! Sandy, I hope that you and Susan enjoy many, many happy years of retirement!
Ms. Sandy and Ms. Susan are such tremendous individuals, with the biggest hearts for every child (and their parents). I am so grateful my son was cared for and loved by them. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement ladies. We will miss you!!!!
Wow! Has it been that long? My girls where some of the first to attend the new UNMC daycare when it opened!! The daycare is a wonderful asset we have on campus! I very much enjoyed walking up to have lunch with them! Congratulations to these fabulous people!
I know that Sandy will miss her babies and their families so much. She loves the babies like her own Grandchildren. Talks about them all the time and shows cute little pictures. But, I am glad she can have a few years of the Golden years to enjoy with family and friends. We all love her, but most of all she is an amazing baby sister to me.
Many happy years of retirement and good health to you Sandy.
Bonnie
Miss Sandy has shown unconditional love and care to all the babies that have been in the infant rooms. I am blessed that she hugged on my two girls. She easily bonds with each of them and quickly learns their individual characteristics. She leaves behind some big shoes to fill. Miss Susan has been a great teacher to my oldest daughter. She will be greatly missed, as well. I cannot more highly recommend the UNMC Child Development Center, and I cannot say enough positive things about their teachers. This campus is very lucky to have such a wonderful resource for employees. I can focus on doing my best at my job because I feel confident my children are in the best care while I am at work.