“I know I haven’t been doing any work, at all. But do you think you could send me like a list of things to do to get caught up at least a little bit?”

Once upon a classroom, I might have pointed out that there is already a list.

Once upon a classroom, I might have pointed out the inconvenience of such a request.

Once upon a classroom, I might have pointed out that we only have 18 days left in the semester.

But I no longer teach in that classroom.

In today’s classroom, I will reconsider the list and his situation, focusing on a path of possibility for him.

In today’s classroom, I will consider the courage it took for him to own his situation, focusing on his needs, not my convenience.

In today’s classroom, I will consider the illusory effect of time on our blip of an experience, focusing on what’s left rather than what’s lost.

Now, in simple speak. I have a kiddo who finally faced his situation. I have a kiddo who needs a lifeline. I have a kiddo who needs my empathy.

In simpler speak. I have a kiddo who needs help.

In simplest speak. I have a kiddo.

Kiddo. Kiddos, that’s the work. No one the same. No path perfect. I teach each. And each is as different as my responses have to be.

That’s the room, the space I find myself in these days. I teach kids. That’s the plain path I follow, the simple in my step.

Happy Monday, all. Glad to be back. Hope all are healthy and happy.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.