Thinking once I grew up Id know as much as they did and things would be easy.
As a teacher stands leading us, in the front of the classroom, I thought about one day.
We are all trying desperately.
I look back with more sympathy and understanding.
The very real things I faced so young, I realize they were dealing with too.
Only they had to be strong.
They had to be brave.
Maybe its a breakup.
Maybe youve lost a loved one.
Maybe youre worried about income.
Or there is family drama.
Maybe mentally youre struggling and no one has asked if youre okay.
Maybe there is drama and gossip in your department and this week youre the target.
Maybe youre in a relationship thats hurting you but you dont know how to let go.
Maybe youre overwhelmed because there is so much to do and not enough time to do it.
Maybe youre going home to a stranger and you dont know how to fix the distance between you two.
I dont know what youre facing.
But what I can say is thank you.
You still manage to laugh and tell jokes and make a lesson entertaining.
You still manage to be selflessly more concerned about your students then you are yourself.
I wish you werent dealing with the things you were.
I wish there was something I could do or say to make this feel less heavy.
I wish you all the happiness and peace you deserve.
But you arent there yet.
And you still have a bit of a storm to walk through.
You still have a job you need as much as they need you.
So I want to say thank you again.
You chose a profession devoted to others and its easy to get overlooked and have people see through you.
And Im sorry about that.
But I see you.
