It's possible I may have
underestimated the importance
of having someone with me
when receiving good news.
I knew I'd need you
to break the fall when
I heard the words,
"It's cancer."
Sure as I was
of what would be said,
I still wanted
your hand in mine
and was grateful to feel
your grasp.
I was sure this day would be different
and you had many responsibilities.
You'd done enough.
I didn't want to interfere further.
So I told you to see about your duties,
mine was just a formality.
How foolish I was
in my confidence
of hearing about clean scans.
I learned too late
I needed someone
beside me
bearing witness with me
to the light in the doctor's eyes
when he was a messenger of pardon
rather than execution.
Who knew joy loves company
more than misery does--
or needs it to take up the space
where doubt may try to seat itself?
According to the doctor I saw yesterday the final test confirms I have passed by first full year cancer-free. We are greatly relieved!
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Friday, August 22, 2014
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Road Not Taken
I have more to say about my physical recovery eventually, for now I am progressing slowly and thankful to be on the mend. I'm also tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support from family and friends, be they online or 3-D. Those of you who have prayed, left comments, sent emails or even small gifts have been such a wonderful encouragement. In the meantime, it's been a time of strange thoughts and processing things in new ways since I've been through a bit of an upheaval. Just to keep you busy, here's a thought I had today.
Anyone who has gotten through an American Literature class will have read Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. It's a wonderful poem in so many ways.
I wonder though, what if we who have typically been trailblazers, taking the hard road and leaving our mark wherever we go, what happens if we one day chose to turn around, return to the fork and quietly, mindfully, respectfully walk the road others have paved? What if we chose to learn from them after so many of our own lonely labors in the wilderness?
So I invite you to share your travels on paved or rocky roads, your lessons, your thoughts. Give me something to mull over on this concept as I continue to rest and recover.
Anyone who has gotten through an American Literature class will have read Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. It's a wonderful poem in so many ways.
I wonder though, what if we who have typically been trailblazers, taking the hard road and leaving our mark wherever we go, what happens if we one day chose to turn around, return to the fork and quietly, mindfully, respectfully walk the road others have paved? What if we chose to learn from them after so many of our own lonely labors in the wilderness?
So I invite you to share your travels on paved or rocky roads, your lessons, your thoughts. Give me something to mull over on this concept as I continue to rest and recover.
Monday, June 03, 2013
Da Count-Da Love
Friday was my last day at school before taking leave in order to deal with my health (hoping to have a date for surgery finally scheduled within the next couple of days). The school year was already well under way when I began there and I was shared between two buildings. Wherever I was, I was off in the library generally working alone, except the last few weeks when the librarians who circulated to four schools for a mere nine weeks at each one. Those circumstances made building rapport a challenge.
Ending my year before everyone else made me feel like I was playing hooky. I've been a little concerned how that might be perceived. Fortunately, one of my principals seemed very supportive and the other, though hard to read, was not making things difficult. I worked hard the last couple of weeks to get loose ends tied up and set some things up for next year. And then Friday arrived...
It was strange enough jumping in the deep end five months ago and trying to catch up with everyone else. It was weirder to be ending my year a couple of weeks before everyone else. I felt like I was cheating on a test. I love what I do. I wish I could actually make a living wage at it and not have a ridiculous commute to get there but once I am there I do love what I am doing. In spite of the challenges of the urban setting and an appalling lack of resources I even like where I am doing it. There will always be people clamoring to work in cushy suburban school districts where there are resources and well behaved kids with involved parents. There are fewer folks excited about our setting, understandably so. That doesn't reduce the need for capable, motivated people to work there.
I have been so blessed to work alongside some amazing people. Some have helped me navigate, others have inspired me, still others have made me feel like I am part of the team. I wrote some notes to some of the people who meant the most. It's an urban district where we all are just trying to get through the day. There aren't many pats on the back being passed around. There is a lot of weariness. There is also fear since the district has decided to furlough nearly 150 teachers without a corresponding drop in enrollment. For whatever it's worth I want the people I respect and appreciate to know so.
The most hard-boiled teacher in the building, the one who is cowed by no one and will not suffer fools at all, let alone gladly, came up to me and whispered my name quietly with tears in her eyes. She told me to keep fighting, I'm going to be fine, she's going to call me....and I better stop making her cry.
The two paras who have been there longer than almost anyone else in the building told me I better come back next year. One couldn't stop giving me hugs. She said I kept her calm and the kids better look out because how was she going to find her chill now. The other one who takes the most pride in what she does and who has helped me sort out some administrative complexities beamed when I assured her I like this school. That I prefer it to the other school I am at, that I am anxious to come back next year. Usually she hears that people hate being in this school.
When I spoke to my principal to make sure we had things settled for the end of the year and so I could offer some ideas for next year she listened intently and gave me encouraging feedback. Then she looked me in the eye, smiled warmly, and told me she felt the school was lucky to have me. I was just plain stunned by that. I've never been observed and I am not supervised so I wasn't sure I was even on her radar.
I went to say goodbye to my favorite class, the English as a Second Language group. When their teacher said it was my last day they had looks of horror. When I assured them I would be back next year they cheered. Then they started pulling candy out of their bags from a birthday party for a classmate so they could give me pieces.
Going in to the day my goal was to make sure I had things as organized and as complete as possible with some key things set in motion for next year and to make sure the people who meant something to me knew what I thought of them. I had no expectation of anything in return or even that my absence would register. Part of that is my wiring. Part of it is conditioning from childhood events. Part of it comes from the nasty way I was let go at my last job. I found out that a number of people had things they wanted to say to me as well and that I will be missed even if it's just for the last two weeks of the year. Laughter may be good medicine but feeling the love was quite a nice dose of something to do me good as well.
I'm grateful.
Ending my year before everyone else made me feel like I was playing hooky. I've been a little concerned how that might be perceived. Fortunately, one of my principals seemed very supportive and the other, though hard to read, was not making things difficult. I worked hard the last couple of weeks to get loose ends tied up and set some things up for next year. And then Friday arrived...
It was strange enough jumping in the deep end five months ago and trying to catch up with everyone else. It was weirder to be ending my year a couple of weeks before everyone else. I felt like I was cheating on a test. I love what I do. I wish I could actually make a living wage at it and not have a ridiculous commute to get there but once I am there I do love what I am doing. In spite of the challenges of the urban setting and an appalling lack of resources I even like where I am doing it. There will always be people clamoring to work in cushy suburban school districts where there are resources and well behaved kids with involved parents. There are fewer folks excited about our setting, understandably so. That doesn't reduce the need for capable, motivated people to work there.
I have been so blessed to work alongside some amazing people. Some have helped me navigate, others have inspired me, still others have made me feel like I am part of the team. I wrote some notes to some of the people who meant the most. It's an urban district where we all are just trying to get through the day. There aren't many pats on the back being passed around. There is a lot of weariness. There is also fear since the district has decided to furlough nearly 150 teachers without a corresponding drop in enrollment. For whatever it's worth I want the people I respect and appreciate to know so.
The most hard-boiled teacher in the building, the one who is cowed by no one and will not suffer fools at all, let alone gladly, came up to me and whispered my name quietly with tears in her eyes. She told me to keep fighting, I'm going to be fine, she's going to call me....and I better stop making her cry.
The two paras who have been there longer than almost anyone else in the building told me I better come back next year. One couldn't stop giving me hugs. She said I kept her calm and the kids better look out because how was she going to find her chill now. The other one who takes the most pride in what she does and who has helped me sort out some administrative complexities beamed when I assured her I like this school. That I prefer it to the other school I am at, that I am anxious to come back next year. Usually she hears that people hate being in this school.
When I spoke to my principal to make sure we had things settled for the end of the year and so I could offer some ideas for next year she listened intently and gave me encouraging feedback. Then she looked me in the eye, smiled warmly, and told me she felt the school was lucky to have me. I was just plain stunned by that. I've never been observed and I am not supervised so I wasn't sure I was even on her radar.
I went to say goodbye to my favorite class, the English as a Second Language group. When their teacher said it was my last day they had looks of horror. When I assured them I would be back next year they cheered. Then they started pulling candy out of their bags from a birthday party for a classmate so they could give me pieces.
Going in to the day my goal was to make sure I had things as organized and as complete as possible with some key things set in motion for next year and to make sure the people who meant something to me knew what I thought of them. I had no expectation of anything in return or even that my absence would register. Part of that is my wiring. Part of it is conditioning from childhood events. Part of it comes from the nasty way I was let go at my last job. I found out that a number of people had things they wanted to say to me as well and that I will be missed even if it's just for the last two weeks of the year. Laughter may be good medicine but feeling the love was quite a nice dose of something to do me good as well.
I'm grateful.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving
Norman Rockwell's Freedom from Want is the iconic Thanksgiving image. The budget has been tight since I lost my job but I am grateful that we are free from true want. The bills are paid and there is ample food available. My children and husband and I are healthy. There was a time in the not too distant past when that was not the case so I am mindful of how important that is. As we celebrate this day of Thanksgiving I will challenge you, as you count your blessings and give thanks, to consider those who do live in want and what actions you can take to help alleviate such want so that next year more people can be free from want.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Birthday/Blogiversary
I've been blessed to meet some of you face to face. Without exception each blogger I've met has exceeded my expectation in terms of how wonderful they are in person. I hope the future allows for the opportunity to meet more of you face to face.
Now, if I may ask a very serious favor of everyone...while I am celebrating good and happy things Friday, a good friend of Calypso's is undergoing surgery to remove an aggressive malignant tumor near his brain stem. Doctors have said it has already begun to spread to his spine. It's a terrifying thing for anyone to face but it seems especially frightening for someone so young. He's a smart, funny, caring young man. I know both he and his family would appreciate prayers, good thoughts, any positive energy on his behalf and I would as well.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Raison d'Etre
We have an Easter tradition of taking one nice family picture and then half a roll or more of silly ones. I was a little bummed this year when one kid was away for Easter and another was sick as a dog. It meant no pictures. We made up for it this weekend. Calypso graduation from the camp program she's participated in for the last nine months. We had a beautiful day for it and just in time for Mother's Day I got my silly pictures.
These people are crowding my space!
Nerdom
What's that thing there?
But they seem so normal...looks are clearly deceiving.
That pretty much sums it up.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Remembering Those Who Serve
World War 1 ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. A year later President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 Armistice Day. In 1938 it was made a legal holiday "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'." In 1954 it was renamed Veteran's Day. In countries of the British Commonwealth is it observed as Remembrance Day.
Whatever you call it, wherever you live, regardless of what you think about the current foreign policies and actions of respective governments, please take time to thank and honor those who have honorably served you with all that they have. And let us work toward true peace.
I want to personally thank the veterans among my readers and their families for the sacrifices they have made.
In order to make your gratitude more tangible I'd encourage you to check out Soldiers' Angels, which does quite a lot to directly encourage, support, and meet the needs of those in active duty and those who have returned home wounded. In fact, today is the final day for the Valour-IT fundraising competition in which the various branches of the military are competing to see which can raise the most for voice activated laptops to aid soldiers who have been severely wounded. You may wonder why a wounded soldier would have need of such a thing. I think the cartoon below says it better than I could.
Being able to remain connected to folks who love you during a long convalescence from severe injuries does wonders for the human spirit. Those of you who have been reading me long enough were a great support during my own long months of rehabilitation from a devastating hand and arm injury sustained through my own stupidity. I appreciated it deeply and being able to keep connection to the outside world when I couldn't drive helped me stay sane. My injury was one I managed to recover from almost completely (and it was only one hand) even though there had been no guarantee made. If I multiply my own injury by 2 and magnify it into a permanent loss sustained in service to my nation...well, it's a leap of imagination that is not very comfortable to make. How much less so to be living it? I have no doubt these gifts of technology can go a long way. If you're able please take time today to go contribute. If finances are limited check the site anyway because there are a myriad of ways to be supportive throughout the year and that's needed too.Whatever you, please take time to thank a vet.
Friday, June 26, 2009
55 Things Worth Counting
Ok, so you know I got a concussion. You know I got into a head on collision a short time after that. You also know that after making it all the way to the final round I didn't get the job (which after wrecking my car I wanted even more badly because I really need some cash flow so I can put enough money together to buy at least some old clunker). Those are the three big hits I've taken in the last month. I haven't even told you about the series of smaller hits that came along with those big ones and I am not going to. I think you all have a feel for how much I just want to crawl in a cave and just forget about things. When one blogger emailed me I shared a little more and said I really didn't feel like doing Da Count this week but that's when I most need to do it. Truth be told there were a number of count worthy things I was able to come up with off the top of my head. That being the case, I decided instead of a 55 word story you'll get a 55 item list of things I am thankful for.
1. There was no bleeding in my brain after the concussion.
2. The CT tech was really nice.
3. No one involved in the accident was killed or maimed.
4. Although most of the ER staff was kinda jerky the CT tech there was really wonderful too. What is it about CT techs?
5. We have 2 pastors at our church. One works on my last nerve, the other is fantastic. The fantastic one showed up at the ER when I was there.
6. Pastor Fantastic understood my fears about the concussion thing because last year he was on medical leave for 6 months due to his own impeded recovery from a far more serious concussion.
7. My mom was at my house when I came home and gave me the hug I needed really desperately.
8. My mom stayed the night and whipped the kids and house into shape in time for my mother-in-law's arrival the next day.
9. My MIL made sure I didn't have to worry about cooking the week she was here.
10. Diana, my mom, my MIL, and my stepmom all worked together under a bit of direction from me to prepare a birthday dinner of Trini food (of those people Diana has only limited experience making Trini food, the others have none, and Mom...uh, well let's just say the kitchen is not her area of expertise at all) for Calypso. Really, just pause and consider the dynamics of that group of people working together in such close proximity and so cooperatively. The history that had to be put aside is astonishing. This one alone is a mind blower.
11. The weather held for Diana's graduation. I had scheduled Calypso's Sweet 16 bash with friends around what should have worked with the rain date for graduation only to have the school change the rain date at the last minute. The threat of rain was very real.
12. The weather held until the end for Calypso's pool party.
13. We have friends with a big pool and a huge backyard who very gladly offered to let Calypso have 40 friends over for a party.
14. My mom offered to take a day off work so she could take me to and from our family reunion.
15. I survived the weekend that had graduation, a Sweet 16 party, and a family reunion even though I was still pretty wiped out just from recovering.
16. Diana got a job with regular hours so she could leave the one where she never knew when or if she was working.
17. Mom came up again to help me get ready for the grad party.
18. Three great aunts and one great uncle came up to the party. Out of my whole extended family I've only had a handful ever be willing to come up to my house. I was really glad to see them.
19. My closest friend from before Trinidad and my closest friend since returning to the US got to meet each other at Diana's party.
20. They loved each other.
21. We had a ton of food leftover so I didn't do a lot of cooking this week when I took the last hit. (Though I am not entirely sure my family would include this on their list. They got pretty tired of the same thing over and over.)
22. A lady I don't know very well offered to help get me to my chiropractor appointments if Mr. Lime needs to be out with the truck.
23. The same lady picked me up to go to a pool party for grown up women.
24. The grown up pool party wound up being a very small affair and we sat sipping drinks and eating poolside while we watched the sun set. I much preferred that to a big crowd.
25. The assistants who work with me at the chiropractor's office are such lovely people.
26. Physically I am feeling much better than I thought I would be at this point.
27. My cousin in Boston has been calling to check up on me regularly.
28. I found my new quiet, thinking spot this week mainly because I don't have a car and was forced to find one I could walk to.
29. God didn't throw a lightning bolt at me when I told Him I was mad at Him.
30. I really wanted that job but there was one aspect about it that I was very uneasy about so I am slowly reconciling to the idea that maybe it was better not to get that job....but, uh...I still really need one and this area is not exactly crawling with opportunity...I'm working on it...
31. I'm not wallowing any more.
32. Just as I was dejectedly telling someone I didn't get the job a package from Suldog and his wife arrived.
33. It contained the Mr. Rogers Swings CD, which was like a gentle, musical hug.
34. Listening to it also brought back some really happy memories.
35. I've gotten phone calls and emails from other bloggers who took to time to care this week.
36. I've gotten bunches of supportive comments even from people who have never read me before because WIXY asked his readers to come by for that purpose.
37. I did get my official certification from the PA Dept. of Education as a Library Assistant so at least I can put that on my next resume.
38. My criminal record check is free of things that prevent employment with children.
39. The fine the judge imposed for the expired car inspection was less than I expected...still more than I wanted, but less than I expected.
40. I had enough money last week to pay for camp for 2 kids.
41. I think I will have enough to pay the fine this week.
42. There were 2 nights last week that Isaac and I had some nice, quiet time together.
43. He had a fantastic school year this year.
44. Calypso had a fairly dismal year academically but she pulled it together at the end.
45. She had an amazing affirmation when she was accepted into a performing arts school for next year.
46. Diana finished school strong.
47. She got accepted into the honor's program at her college.
48. Mr. Lime has been teaching Isaac a lot of practical repair skills lately and it seems like they've enjoyed working together.
49. Cooper got a genuine guffaw out of me yesterday with this post.
50. A friend called out of the blue and asked if I want to use her car while she is in California, all I have to do is drive her to the airport.
51. It saves her parking fees and it saves me filling the gas guzzling Jezebel.
52. Jocelyn pointed out I have great hair...
53. ...as well as zest and pizzazz.
54. I am continually amazed by good things when I get my head out of my butt and look for the good.
55. Lecram was smart enough to start the whole idea of Da Count or I might not be doing this today when I most need to.
That said, I'd encourage you all to take a moment to visit Lecram and give him a kind word because his mother left this word this week. And if this post isn't the most amazing example of finding something to count even in the midst of great sadness I don't know what is. I would be very grateful to those of you who are kind enough to give your condolences to him.
1. There was no bleeding in my brain after the concussion.
2. The CT tech was really nice.
3. No one involved in the accident was killed or maimed.
4. Although most of the ER staff was kinda jerky the CT tech there was really wonderful too. What is it about CT techs?
5. We have 2 pastors at our church. One works on my last nerve, the other is fantastic. The fantastic one showed up at the ER when I was there.
6. Pastor Fantastic understood my fears about the concussion thing because last year he was on medical leave for 6 months due to his own impeded recovery from a far more serious concussion.
7. My mom was at my house when I came home and gave me the hug I needed really desperately.
8. My mom stayed the night and whipped the kids and house into shape in time for my mother-in-law's arrival the next day.
9. My MIL made sure I didn't have to worry about cooking the week she was here.
10. Diana, my mom, my MIL, and my stepmom all worked together under a bit of direction from me to prepare a birthday dinner of Trini food (of those people Diana has only limited experience making Trini food, the others have none, and Mom...uh, well let's just say the kitchen is not her area of expertise at all) for Calypso. Really, just pause and consider the dynamics of that group of people working together in such close proximity and so cooperatively. The history that had to be put aside is astonishing. This one alone is a mind blower.
11. The weather held for Diana's graduation. I had scheduled Calypso's Sweet 16 bash with friends around what should have worked with the rain date for graduation only to have the school change the rain date at the last minute. The threat of rain was very real.
12. The weather held until the end for Calypso's pool party.
13. We have friends with a big pool and a huge backyard who very gladly offered to let Calypso have 40 friends over for a party.
14. My mom offered to take a day off work so she could take me to and from our family reunion.
15. I survived the weekend that had graduation, a Sweet 16 party, and a family reunion even though I was still pretty wiped out just from recovering.
16. Diana got a job with regular hours so she could leave the one where she never knew when or if she was working.
17. Mom came up again to help me get ready for the grad party.
18. Three great aunts and one great uncle came up to the party. Out of my whole extended family I've only had a handful ever be willing to come up to my house. I was really glad to see them.
19. My closest friend from before Trinidad and my closest friend since returning to the US got to meet each other at Diana's party.
20. They loved each other.
21. We had a ton of food leftover so I didn't do a lot of cooking this week when I took the last hit. (Though I am not entirely sure my family would include this on their list. They got pretty tired of the same thing over and over.)
22. A lady I don't know very well offered to help get me to my chiropractor appointments if Mr. Lime needs to be out with the truck.
23. The same lady picked me up to go to a pool party for grown up women.
24. The grown up pool party wound up being a very small affair and we sat sipping drinks and eating poolside while we watched the sun set. I much preferred that to a big crowd.
25. The assistants who work with me at the chiropractor's office are such lovely people.
26. Physically I am feeling much better than I thought I would be at this point.
27. My cousin in Boston has been calling to check up on me regularly.
28. I found my new quiet, thinking spot this week mainly because I don't have a car and was forced to find one I could walk to.
29. God didn't throw a lightning bolt at me when I told Him I was mad at Him.
30. I really wanted that job but there was one aspect about it that I was very uneasy about so I am slowly reconciling to the idea that maybe it was better not to get that job....but, uh...I still really need one and this area is not exactly crawling with opportunity...I'm working on it...
31. I'm not wallowing any more.
32. Just as I was dejectedly telling someone I didn't get the job a package from Suldog and his wife arrived.
33. It contained the Mr. Rogers Swings CD, which was like a gentle, musical hug.
34. Listening to it also brought back some really happy memories.
35. I've gotten phone calls and emails from other bloggers who took to time to care this week.
36. I've gotten bunches of supportive comments even from people who have never read me before because WIXY asked his readers to come by for that purpose.
37. I did get my official certification from the PA Dept. of Education as a Library Assistant so at least I can put that on my next resume.
38. My criminal record check is free of things that prevent employment with children.
39. The fine the judge imposed for the expired car inspection was less than I expected...still more than I wanted, but less than I expected.
40. I had enough money last week to pay for camp for 2 kids.
41. I think I will have enough to pay the fine this week.
42. There were 2 nights last week that Isaac and I had some nice, quiet time together.
43. He had a fantastic school year this year.
44. Calypso had a fairly dismal year academically but she pulled it together at the end.
45. She had an amazing affirmation when she was accepted into a performing arts school for next year.
46. Diana finished school strong.
47. She got accepted into the honor's program at her college.
48. Mr. Lime has been teaching Isaac a lot of practical repair skills lately and it seems like they've enjoyed working together.
49. Cooper got a genuine guffaw out of me yesterday with this post.
50. A friend called out of the blue and asked if I want to use her car while she is in California, all I have to do is drive her to the airport.
51. It saves her parking fees and it saves me filling the gas guzzling Jezebel.
52. Jocelyn pointed out I have great hair...
53. ...as well as zest and pizzazz.
54. I am continually amazed by good things when I get my head out of my butt and look for the good.
55. Lecram was smart enough to start the whole idea of Da Count or I might not be doing this today when I most need to.
That said, I'd encourage you all to take a moment to visit Lecram and give him a kind word because his mother left this word this week. And if this post isn't the most amazing example of finding something to count even in the midst of great sadness I don't know what is. I would be very grateful to those of you who are kind enough to give your condolences to him.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
May we properly remember those who gave their last full measure of devotion in service and defense of our nation.May we remember to thank those who served honorably and returned to the embrace of family and friends.
May we work toward the day when no one is called upon to make such sacrifice.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
To Whom It May Concern
To the two high school students who started teaching Diana and Calypso trumpet and violin respectively, thank you for being so enthusiastic and positive. Thank you for being an example of joy. Thank you for carving time out of your busy teenage lives between school and socializing to give something to some younger kids. To the young lady who taught violin, thank you especially for being so incredibly creative and effective at communicating technique in a way that made sense to a 7 year old. Although you've each graduated long ago and moved on I hope you are still enjoying music.
To the music teacher who ran preschool classes for Isaac and who later taught Calypso piano, thank you for your unending patience with wiggly little boys who picked their noses and wanted to turn the rhythm sticks and blocks into swords and cars. Thank you for making them giggle and look forward to the class. Thank you for setting expectations for Calypso and requiring follow through but for being positive in the way you did that. Thank you also for later on when this old mama wanted to learn guitar and you were equally patient and encouraging with someone who felt incredibly self-conscious about her faltering efforts.
To the trumpet teacher with a PhD who gave an 8th grader the chance to play a solo in a recital with college students, thank you for giving her such a sweet opportunity. Thank you for patiently helping her work through the aggravation of playing with brand new braces when her mouth was killing her.
To the oboe/clarinet teacher whose bubbly personality and easy giggles got Calypso laughing with her when the reeds squeaked and squawked, thank you for using humor to diffuse tension. Thank you for giving her useful feedback for an instrument her school band director couldn't help her on very much.
To the band director in the Middle School, thank you for doing a thankless job. I tend to think your job must be a bit like herding cats when you try to get everyone to play together. I suspect it must at least sound like that for the first half of the year when they try to play together. That that a bunch of 10 year olds can all produce a few discernible tunes including harmonies by the end of the year is an impressive a feat as anything a professional orchestra can produce. Kudos to you for getting them there.
To my stepmother, thank you for paying for all sorts of lessons over the years because you know a single income family doesn't always have a lot of extra money laying around and you wanted your grandchildren to have the freedom to explore and develop different skills. Thank you for your generosity and for giving them opportunities neither you nor I had. Thank you for giving that gift without conditions on what sorts of lessons it had to be spent on. It just happened that more often than not the kids chose music.
To my mom, thank you for making a 2 and a half hour round trip just to come to concerts on a week night and be back home for work the next day. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for gladly making that sacrifice to celebrate their efforts and enjoy the fruits of those efforts.
To the band directors and assistants in the Junior High and High School, you all are a musically proficient bunch who bring ensembles together to give some really impressive concerts and marching band shows but that's where my praise ends. You're a surly bunch of elitists who play favorites in such egregious ways it's disheartening to great numbers of your students. It's pretty sad commentary when your teenage students describe their frustration by saying, "I'm tired of a bunch of 40-somethings throwing temper tantrums like 3 year olds." Grow the hell up and realize that you need to set a decent example. Even the students who don't intend to pursue music as a career deserve your best effort. This is an elective activity. Those kids wouldn't be there if they didn't have some sort of love for music. Drive enough of them away and you'll loose a job, the department will be eliminated, and no one will have the opportunity except those rich enough to do everything privately....or maybe that's your goal?
To the private voice teacher who has been working with Calypso for the last year, thank you for sharing your tremendous technical expertise with us. You have experiences and skills we have not encountered before. Thank you also for being flexible about scheduling and location. However, your epic freakout on my daughter last week was completely out of line. For all your ranting about professionalism and respect you abandoned both of those principles when her back was literally against the wall while you shouted right in her face. And how dare you put your hands on my child in anger! Your words were harsh, belittling, and served no purpose other than to make her feel small so you could feel bigger.
To my daughters who trudged joylessly through a concert last night because of the way they've been beaten down lately, reflect on the long line of those who showed you music is a place of refuge and a thing of beauty and gladness. Illegitimi non carborundum.
To the music teacher who ran preschool classes for Isaac and who later taught Calypso piano, thank you for your unending patience with wiggly little boys who picked their noses and wanted to turn the rhythm sticks and blocks into swords and cars. Thank you for making them giggle and look forward to the class. Thank you for setting expectations for Calypso and requiring follow through but for being positive in the way you did that. Thank you also for later on when this old mama wanted to learn guitar and you were equally patient and encouraging with someone who felt incredibly self-conscious about her faltering efforts.
To the trumpet teacher with a PhD who gave an 8th grader the chance to play a solo in a recital with college students, thank you for giving her such a sweet opportunity. Thank you for patiently helping her work through the aggravation of playing with brand new braces when her mouth was killing her.
To the oboe/clarinet teacher whose bubbly personality and easy giggles got Calypso laughing with her when the reeds squeaked and squawked, thank you for using humor to diffuse tension. Thank you for giving her useful feedback for an instrument her school band director couldn't help her on very much.
To the band director in the Middle School, thank you for doing a thankless job. I tend to think your job must be a bit like herding cats when you try to get everyone to play together. I suspect it must at least sound like that for the first half of the year when they try to play together. That that a bunch of 10 year olds can all produce a few discernible tunes including harmonies by the end of the year is an impressive a feat as anything a professional orchestra can produce. Kudos to you for getting them there.
To my stepmother, thank you for paying for all sorts of lessons over the years because you know a single income family doesn't always have a lot of extra money laying around and you wanted your grandchildren to have the freedom to explore and develop different skills. Thank you for your generosity and for giving them opportunities neither you nor I had. Thank you for giving that gift without conditions on what sorts of lessons it had to be spent on. It just happened that more often than not the kids chose music.
To my mom, thank you for making a 2 and a half hour round trip just to come to concerts on a week night and be back home for work the next day. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for gladly making that sacrifice to celebrate their efforts and enjoy the fruits of those efforts.
To the band directors and assistants in the Junior High and High School, you all are a musically proficient bunch who bring ensembles together to give some really impressive concerts and marching band shows but that's where my praise ends. You're a surly bunch of elitists who play favorites in such egregious ways it's disheartening to great numbers of your students. It's pretty sad commentary when your teenage students describe their frustration by saying, "I'm tired of a bunch of 40-somethings throwing temper tantrums like 3 year olds." Grow the hell up and realize that you need to set a decent example. Even the students who don't intend to pursue music as a career deserve your best effort. This is an elective activity. Those kids wouldn't be there if they didn't have some sort of love for music. Drive enough of them away and you'll loose a job, the department will be eliminated, and no one will have the opportunity except those rich enough to do everything privately....or maybe that's your goal?
To the private voice teacher who has been working with Calypso for the last year, thank you for sharing your tremendous technical expertise with us. You have experiences and skills we have not encountered before. Thank you also for being flexible about scheduling and location. However, your epic freakout on my daughter last week was completely out of line. For all your ranting about professionalism and respect you abandoned both of those principles when her back was literally against the wall while you shouted right in her face. And how dare you put your hands on my child in anger! Your words were harsh, belittling, and served no purpose other than to make her feel small so you could feel bigger.
To my daughters who trudged joylessly through a concert last night because of the way they've been beaten down lately, reflect on the long line of those who showed you music is a place of refuge and a thing of beauty and gladness. Illegitimi non carborundum.
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