I'm sitting across from her.
She's tired, she's run down,
she's had enough and here I sit.
I sit with concern
as I see each crease in her eye
deepen with fatique and worry.
I care.
I wish for her.
I wish for her son.
I wish it were different.
She's tired.
She's done.
At a loss.
A sparkling tear, almost runs down
but she breathes and I grin
and we begin again.
But there are so many qualities he has going for him.
He has such a big heart.
We care for him and his success.
But it's hard
and though I'm tired
I might be run down
I am not done
and I will never stop
and I will be here everyday
showing up
for him
for you
and I will wish it
to be different.
This sums up so many conversations beautifully. I would love to share this with some of my colleagues.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I know that face! As tired as I usually feel during conference week, I have to remind myself that the parent sitting across from me feel it too. We share similar worries, similar celebrations, similar concerns for the future. We are all rooting for that same child!
ReplyDeleteWonderful summation of thoughts and images. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love how you captured this and how you captured the vital need to be empathetic, to remember to frame areas to support with strengths, and the essential aspect of a belief that all students can learn and grow.
ReplyDelete"A sparkling tear, almost runs down
ReplyDeletebut she breathes and I grin
and we begin again."
I have been here as the teacher and the mom. Lovely.
I love your wording and your inspirational message, especially as I prepare tonight for conferences tomorrow. I'm worn out and tired but your poem has encouraged me!
ReplyDeleteYour poem reminds me of the many times that I have been that parent sitting there listening to what seems like all bad news. It is so frustrating and you feel so helpless. I try to remember that feeling and empathize with those parents. I had one of those meetings tonight and I was at a loss as to suggestions. That makes me feel useless! I just keep trying.
ReplyDeleteIt's sweet, Betsy, showing such need to be still, watch & listen. Conferences can be hard things for parents, wearing their hearts on the outside and hearing some other person talk about their "babies". You sound so thoughtful in this. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour poems says so much! I've felt it and watched this so many times...and it never gets easier. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt made me teary for our parents...
ReplyDeleteAnd I love how you said...
I am not done
and I will never stop
and I will be here everyday
Powerful! I think we all commit ourselves to our children like this:
ReplyDeleteI might be run down
I am not done
and I will never stop
This is beautiful, Betsy. You've captured the heartbreak and hope of a parent struggling with a child's difficulties. So powerful.
ReplyDelete