“Stating themes is hard. It’s hard to learn. It’s hard to teach. I know some of you are frustrated right now with the process–with me. I know. But I also know that we don’t get better by accident. It takes time. It takes work. So, hang in there. We have lots of time ahead. We have lots of work ahead. We’ll get better. Together.”

This was my feeble attempt at a pep talk yesterday, a day when there was little pep in my step, little cheer in my spirit. But as teaching often requires, I had to–as best I could–set aside my own personal struggles to help my kids through theirs. And for some that was frustrating. Understandably. Who wants to “try it again” for the third time? And as much as they want–on some level–for me to say “good” so they can be done, and as much as I want–on some level–to say “good” so I can be done, we both know–on some level–that’s not the path. So, we stayed at it. Jill (name changed) stayed at it all period, one trip after another to my desk for feedback. And finally, on a paper riddled without cross outs and scribbles, we found an answer. On her way out, she stopped by my desk one final time.

“Thanks for all your help today, Sy. Sorry it took me so long.”

“I am sorry you feel like you have to say, ‘sorry.’ No, sorry. It’s my job, so cut out that ‘sorry’ stuff. I am sorry for the frustration, kiddo. Trust me, it would be far easier to say ‘good’ and be done, but we both know that’s not the way to better. Thank you for hanging in there.”

And sometimes that’s what life and learning require: hanging in there. But it’s hard to hang in there without support. Yesterday, I was struggling and several–including my kids–offered their support, so I could hang in there, on a day when I didn’t want to. And of course, as we all know, kids are no different. They, too, don’t always want to, and they, too, just need our support when there’s no choice but to hang in there. And I think if we can do that for each other, we’ll make it. Just hanging in there together.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…growing with grammar.

…completing our cross sections of the human experience.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.