my heart is crying on the inside tonight

Filed Under internal monologue | 1 Comment

tearsI understand now how parents feel when their children move out of the house. The empty nest.

My students are like my children. I nurture them, watch them grow, watch them come into themselves, gain confidence and autonomy. It’s such a beautiful journey to watch and I cherish it like I know I will cherish my own children’s life journeys, should I choose to have any.

One of my classes has been with me for way over a year. They’re a tight group; bonded and strong. Talented and full of spirit. Today I found out that 3 of them have decided to move into another class. Luckily, they all wrote me nice letters and explained their decision, thanked me for inspiring them, nurturing them and supporting them. I graciously wrote back and told them that a “new voice” is never a bad thing and while I will miss their presence terribly, I support their need for change.

But I’m so sad! It feels kind of ridiculous, actually, to feel so emotional about it, but I do.I was so surprised to hear they were moving on and while I tried to pretend that it didn’t hurt my feelings and that my ego wasn’t a little bruised, it does and it is. Letting go is never easy.


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. Robert S. on August 23, 2007 6:07 pm

    I’m not sure any emotion, just by nature, could be “ridiculous.” We don’t have enough control over emotion to feel silly for it afterward (and I’m being a TOTAL hypocrite for writing that as advice, from the comfort of my glass house). All it truly shows is how much you care about those that you teach – and that’s a beautiful trait, really.

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