Baptism by Fire

"Baptism by fire..." That's what the adorable woman who works in the office called my (now seemingly minor) parent situation a few weeks ago. But it seems as if that general idea is following me around.

Problems this week. My profound sense of professionalism prohibits me from sharing details in such a public arena, but rest assured that these were core-shaking problems to a young music teacher. Every day since Wednesday, I have come home with zero appetite for food and zero stamina for doing any work or even having any fun. I just lay down (with one of my cats) and sleep. I have been assured by several people that the problem has little to do with me, but regardless, the way it was presented sure felt personal, and the outcome (whatever it is) will have everything to do with me. Beyond that, the fact that any of this is happening in the first place bothers me immensely.

My kids, however, are perfect (I will accept no arguments about this fact). It's as though they can secretly sense an issue--as I certainly don't let it show during class--and come to my rescue in the only ways they know how. Last week, when problems first started to rear their ugly heads, I walked into my classroom one morning to find my white board completely littered with messages for me: "I <3 Ms. Purscell," "Ms. Purscell is awesome!!" "Music is life!" "I love choir!!!" etc...... This week, one of my quiet 8th graders brought me drumsticks in a big red bow to use to keep time during sight-singing. One of my adorable 7th graders painted the word "Sing!" on a rock for me as a paper weight. I only say this because all of it reminded me why I teach in the first place--I am a trusted adult making music with fantastic kids (and hopefully touching their lives a little bit along the way). It also made me realize just how generous of spirit kids can be. Sometimes I wonder if I went into teaching because I get along with kids so much better than I get along with some adults.....

One good thing that did come out of it all was the unexpected outpouring of support. I greatly respect and admire everyone who talked me through this--more people than I imagined. I know there will be many more difficult times in my teaching career, but it's nice to know that (at least in this case) I don't have to hunker down and handle everything by myself. Add that to the fact that I get to see my students everyday, and life as a teacher starts to look pretty good again.