The Slice of Life March Challenge is hosted by Two Writing Teachers.
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"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying Goodbye so hard."
-Winnie the Pooh
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My daughter doesn't cry.
Megan lost three grandparents within a year and a half.
But my daughter doesn't cry.
As an athlete, she has lost countless basketball games.
But my daughter doesn't cry.
As a college senior, she has had many "lasts."
But my daughter doesn't cry.
Megan is student teaching, and she just finished her first assignment in a special education classroom working with k-2 students. She became very attached to her students. Last Friday Megan picked me up from school, and knowing this was her last day with these students and with Julie, her cooperating teacher, I asked,
"So how did it go?"
"Fine."
"Just fine?"
"Yes and I don't want to talk about it."
"Why?"
"Because I will start crying."
As a mom, I knew not to push,
Because my daughter doesn't cry.
Leigh Anne, wonderful format to share a poignant moment. So exciting that you'll share the teaching profession with her.
ReplyDeletePerfectly captured. I love the lead in and the repetition, which made the ending even more poignant. I love the simplicity and the brevity of the piece - yet it is so powerful.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully captured in this poem! I think we ALL know that feeling...of having to say goodbye! I'm so happy your daughter had such an impactful experience student teaching!!! I bet those kids miss her too!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's a mark of a great teacher - that ability to love students and engender love in return.
ReplyDeleteSound like she already has the most important qualities of being a great teacher well in hand. You must be bursting with pride.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great refrain.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter has dealt with lots of tough stuff. Sounds like she has a strong upper lip.
Like Michelle said, I'm sure those kids will miss her too!
A powerful way to write and to capture the size of this moment.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about teaching, isn't there, that makes you feel those emotions. The structure of this piece really drew me in!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, both as a writer, and a parent. I have two daughters, that I want to know and understand, and connect with. Sometimes though, they may not be ready for that deeper, emotional expression. They might not be prepared to process their emotions with me. I have to meet them at their own pace. I sense the deep love and admiration you have for your daughter, and perhaps the desire she would let you in, just a little bit more.
ReplyDeleteSounds like she is born to be a teacher! Like Holly, I love how you structured this piece, with the repeating refrain.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Obviously, she is already and exceptional teacher!!
ReplyDeleteSo few words,but yet I had goosebumps when I finished it. Your repeating phrase was the poignant contrast to the conversation. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteAwe, seems like she just started. So happy it was a wonderful experience!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet. I have been teaching for 33 years and still remember driving away from my student teaching class and teacher. I can feel that lump in my throat and how I couldn't say anything. Thanks for the memories. (However, I cry at EVERYTHING, so it might not be a fair comparison.)
ReplyDeleteThose first connections will never be forgotten. That also means she had an awesome experience ... there will be many more moments like that. Hold on to those moments.
ReplyDeleteWell that tugged at my heart stings for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of the repeated line, Leigh Anne! Love your use of it here. Love even more the fact that your daughter, like you, is well on her way to a life filled with many tear-filled days and nights. Thankfully the joy overtakes it all! I've cried every year...and this being my last, I'm thinking they'll carry me out on a stretcher! I have loved every single kid, every single moment---never a job, a true way of life!
ReplyDeleteIsn't funny that as mothers we know when not to push. This carries over to the classroom too! That's what makes us awesome moms and excellent teachers.
ReplyDeleteYour words are powerful. There is this wonderful experience that your daughter had that will shape her future for many years, and there is your mother's heart that knows when to be silent (and offer silent support).
ReplyDeleteYour repetition in the face of so many varying situations captures so much more depth than you would expect from a single line. This one tugs at my heart!
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