I started teaching during the days when the scars of the Vietnam War were still raw. Some of my students were "bused in" from nearby Southeast DC due to another socio-political war that raged in our country back then. Some of my students had family ties to the military base and talked of planes landing late at night and MPs who came knocking at doors. Some of my students came from the nearby affordable-public housing complex, and that is where Zachary (name changed) and his mom lived.
I can remember the abundant silky curls that framed his face and his eyes, so distant, at times. I remember his mom, who did not look like him but consistently picked Zachary up, every day. We were close in age yet far apart in experiences. I was a young eager teacher trying to learn class management and curriculum while she, a young widow, was figuring out how to continue living after the greatest of losses and how to raise a son who looked like, but would never know his dad.
I can remember the abundant silky curls that framed his face and his eyes, so distant, at times. I remember his mom, who did not look like him but consistently picked Zachary up, every day. We were close in age yet far apart in experiences. I was a young eager teacher trying to learn class management and curriculum while she, a young widow, was figuring out how to continue living after the greatest of losses and how to raise a son who looked like, but would never know his dad.
Back in those days, following a war many did not agree with, their sacrifice was quiet and never discussed. Back in those days, I didn't even know about the Gold Star Club of mothers, wives and children who gave more than their share in wars long ago, and through today. Older and wiser, today I pray for Zachary and for his Mom, wherever they might be. I wish I had acknowledged their sacrifice. As we stop to acknowledge the sacrifices of so many, I stop to pray for all the many mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children impacted by the loss of life in conflicts far away or nearby, long ago and on more recent days.
7 comments:
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. The power of "gold stars" is in the community they create ~ similar to the community here at #SOL!
This was such a soft and caring post. I really enjoyed reading it and loved the title.
I really appreciated your essay to honor Memorial's Day--and our many fallen heroes. I wonder sometimes if some of those special people realize how long they live in my heart long after I've said my last good-bye?
It's very nice that you still remember, Anita. I suspect all of us as "new" teachers made a few missteps we wish we could go back to change. My father was shot down in WWII in the Philippines & I remember well that Gold Star in the window. Thanks for such a sweet post.
I'm sure you gave Z and his mother kindness and comfort,even if you were not aware of it at the time. The hardest hit are the families and the ones left behind or, so often these days, dealing with the damaged vet. Thanks for your thoughts.
Thank you, Anita. You did the best you could...but your kindness made a difference, I am sure of it.
Some students continue to live within our hearts long after their time with us has passed. This was such a touching post.
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