Is it serendipitous (or a coincidence) the week after I write a blog post about relationships that the test of my relationships with my kids comes into clear focus?
This week was graduation. I watched students that I’ve had since they were in first grade, and in my first years of teaching, walk across that stage. Imagine that? The work I was doing in those beginning years – which was not great at all – into now. The relationships I built with those kids as they were young and I have continued as they are entering adulthood. The power of those relationships are clearly demonstrated when I received an email with an image attached of me and two of the students at graduation with a note attached that I was like their second mom. The flip side of this heart bursting in happiness moment is receiving texts from two different students who lost two different people close to them this week. These relationships with kids when they say, I need you, in this moment, when things are their happiest moments of their lives and the hardest moments in them are where the work is done. It’s hard. And this week has brought me to my knees. I’ve wondered if it’s easier without loving so much and I know it’s not easier, maybe detached, but not easier.
I’ve looked at the hard things this week. I’ve looked at all the parts of teaching this week. And I’m angry. The fire is burning in my gut. I know I have work to do. I have to work harder at dismantling the system that keeps my kids out of Ivy League schools; I have to work harder at dismantling the system that keeps my kids from leaving school with all the tools necessary; I have to work harder at dismantling the system that keeps my kids from accessing everything they need. I have to work harder.
lizzie fortin 