They come, they go. Sometimes, I know why. More often than not, I don’t. Some have been with me since day one, others seem to drop in for a few weeks–sometimes, a few days–and then they are gone. Ghosts. I live among ghosts.

Of course, I am not talking a high percentage. The majority of my roster remains intact, but kids disappear. They always have. And it’s always bugged me, haunted me. Teaching, above all, is an investment in people, and, as such, we cannot help becoming emotionally attached to those in whom we invest. Most of our investments carry a 180-day guarantee. They are with us the entire year, and though it hurts when the “contract” expires in June, and they move on, we can somewhat prepare ourselves, steel ourselves for the moment. But this is not so for the unexpected, often unexplained departures that create hollow spots in our rooms, in our persons. It really hurts.

I “lost” two to the fog this week. Enveloped. Vanished. Two spirits turned to ghosts. And there’s nothing I can do about it, except pull the remaining spirits in my room closer. But of course, on the other side of that blessing is the curse that comes in June when they, too, flee into the fog.

Ah, the teacher’s life. Beautiful. Painful. Fulfilling. Haunting. I imagine there’s nothing really quite like it.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…building community with Community Circle (supposed to happen on the first Friday of every month, but I put it off till today, which is sort of a Friday for the kids; we have conferences for the next two days).

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…discussing Why with Sy.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Wednesday, all. No “real posts” for the next two days without school. But I have something else cooking that I will share with you soon. Have a great day.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.