Wow, the year has basically come and gone and I’ve just now gotten around to writing again. Life as a full-time mama and full-time teacher is, as always, a busy adventure. In the time since I last wrote, we said a very tough and sad goodbye to our beloved family pup, William. You may recall William’s antics as they were chronicled in years past (see: “Oh William” Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). He served as more than a pet in our family; he was our keeper, our therapy, our joy. A gift from God, honestly. Losing a pet, or anyone we love, is deeply difficult — even if we see it coming. In the weeks leading up to the goodbye, and in the days following the loss, I was reminded of a simple truth: everyone is dealing with something we (often) know nothing about.
I have been beyond blessed to experience Capturing Kids’ Hearts training(s) on a handful of occasions. One of the most beloved features of this training is the sharing of sentimental objects. In this activity, participants bring an object and a prepared story to share with the group. In such, I’ve learned about the trials and triumphs, joys and losses of many of my colleagues and district-leaders. These are stories I would otherwise never know but for the time carved out within the training. When our eyes are opened to the hardships others face, we are moved toward deeper understanding and authentic empathy. We build bonds and are strengthened as a team. We are challenged to be more caring humans.
But what of our students? Those whose pain will never be known, or whose joys are kept hidden away? Students who, like my nine-year-old son just weeks ago, said the most tearful, gut-wrenching goodbye of his life to William. I am always challenged to balance high expectations with extreme empathy. To learn as much as I can, ask a million questions, and analyze the eyes and body language of my students. What’s more, taking it further: cultivating a classroom environment where students develop emotional intelligence and learn to read the energy of those around them. Here’s one simple thing to try: ask your students (rhetorically), do you know the names of every person you sit by in all of your classes? What about the person behind you? When have you asked anyone around you how they are doing? Do you actually look at their face when they answer? If never, do it next hour or tomorrow.
We have a terrific responsibly as educators — to teach, assess, shape character, grow our teams, elevate expectations. Let’s not forget that at the core of every human is life-experience, much of which we know nothing about. Developing empathy within ourselves and among our young people is work that never stops.
And to William Dog Veitch, Willie-Dog, the handsomest pup I ever did meet: we loved you so much, good boy. X
God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there. — Billy Graham.