My work week has ended, and I am restless. More and more my caseload seems to be driven by the headlines. The past two weeks have brought to light a number of domestic violence situations in the homes of my students. My mind swirls with the stories I have heard, and sleep aludes me.
Merriam-Webster describes the phrase at home:
1: relaxed and comfortable : at ease 2 : in harmony with the surroundings
3: on familiar ground
Too few young people are growing up feeling relaxed and comfortable. They cannot feel at ease in a home where violence might erupt at any moment. Harmony is in short supply, and volatility is all too familiar ground for scores of young people in American homes.
I find myself walking the floor in the wee small hours this morning. As I include my students in my prayers, I can't help but recognize how fortunate I am in contrast with what others experience. There is no reason I should lead such a charmed existence when others struggle. I cannot explain it, but I can respond with gratitude.
I grew up in a home free from violence.
My husband grew up in a home free from violence.
My children grew up in a home free from violence.
My husband provides a role model of masculinity without machismo.
My home is relaxed and comfortable.
My family is at ease and in harmony.
My work has meaning.
I have been given the opportunity to connect with young people.
I have the privilege of seeing first hand the love of young people for their families.
I have the privilege of supporting young people looking for ways to live lives free from violence.
You are blessed and you are passing on the blessing to the students you work with. That is a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteI am certain of the first thing, and hopeful about the second. Thanks
DeleteExcellent list of thankfuls. It is a shame that every child is not so fortunate. I admire the work you do.
ReplyDeleteIt is a joy for sure.
Deletesurely the power (of that which you do in the world)flows from the fact of your experience of the items on your list. It is one thing to know what to do about the problems of others, it is so much more to represent what it is to live a certain way, perhaps not as simple as a 'do as I do', rather it is to 'prove' the fact of a healthier way to live.
ReplyDeleteya know?
I do find myself telling students who live in violence that not everyone lives that way. More and more in our society, I think it becomes easier for them to believe violence is simply a way of life.
DeleteWe are indeed fortunate if we don't have to suffer in an environment of violence. However, you are now working towards helping those that are experiencing such things and that is a great use of your skills. It sounds like you find it hard to switch off though, so try and practice self-care. The more you care for yourself, the more you'll be in a position to continue caring for the people you so selflessly support :)
ReplyDeleteWise words indeed. I am better than I once was, but not as good as I really need to be. Life is a process for us all!
DeleteThere is so much heart-wrenching sadness. I can see you find strength from counting your blessings. And you can make a difference. That is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThere really is so very much sadness in the world. I know it has always existed, but it has felt immense this school year.
DeleteHopefully participating in this blogging world, and in particular the TTOT blog hop, you feel some release from the stresses that come from knowing so much about those on your caseload. I'm guessing that you went into your profession because you are a caring person and wanted to make a difference in the lives of individuals. With that compassion you feel, comes a certain amount stress on your own heart and mind. Perhaps in a way we don't understand we are helping these individuals bear the weight of difficult situations after all the other ways we are able to serve them.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely... all of it! Everything you said, Pat!
DeleteI imagine it an enormous challenge for teachers and those who work with children on a day to day basis in any capacity, to deal with the residual effects of a dysfunctional homelife and/or violent homelife. Perhaps the "reason" for your life is to share your experience, be an example of what life can be and not what it is for so many kids. Children are impressionable and astute in ways adults sometimes take for granted. You may never know just what a positive role you may have played in these children's lives.
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that children are the smartest people on earth. They haven't yet convinced themselves to still the small voice we all once had inside.
DeleteYou are such a positive influence to those kids and I am in awe of what you do. Beautiful list.
ReplyDeleteI hope so. I really love them. You know what that is like. It can't just be a job when you are dealing with kids' lives.
DeleteHome was always a safe place for me to go, to be. I can't fathom how it isn't that way for everyone. It is heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteMe either, Kerry. Where would your sanctuary be if not home?
Delete