Friday, my students were practicing using the verbs "need" and "want." To encourage them to extend their discussion, I introduced them to the word "reflection." Yes, a reflection can be physical - the thing that we see when we look in a mirror. But, there is also self reflection, which is when we examine our thoughts, feelings and behavior. I got the discussion rolling by asking my students to think about what they wanted when they were planning to move to the U.S. I continued asking them what they needed when they got here and what they want now. We ended by discussing whether their needs and wants have changed. The students concluded that education is more valuable than the latest MP3 player. They also decided that self-reflection is a valuable process.
Later, as I was driving home and struggling to stay awake, I groaned with the knowledge of what the evening held. Friday was the annual Mother-Daughter Tea Party at our church. Although this is always a highlight of our Spring, I really wasn't feeling up to it this time. Physically, I was feeling the impact of my 4:30 a.m. wake-up. Emotionally, I was feeling the burden of some of the problems my students present - mainly the need for work - and angst over the minimal help that I can provide. Maybe the girls would just be happy with pizza and a movie tonight?
Well, after convincing my students of the value of reflecting, maybe I better take my own advice. I let my mind wander back to the days when I had no children. Whenever the Mother-Daughter Tea was announced, I would sit in church and cry. For Cassie's first Christmas, I bought her a dress to wear to the tea party. It was pale blue and hand-smocked, and she got it dirty because she rolled around the floor under the table during the party. But, "Mother and Daughter," we were there! The following year, both Gladis and Cassie attended the tea with me. Cassie spilled juice all over the table that year! Ah, yes, many happy memories. I sighed as I pulled into the Kohl's parking lot and ran through the store in search of a slip to wear with my dress. The bus arrives in 20 minutes, will I make it?
The girls got off the bus chatting about what they were going to wear and I had to force a smile on my face. They wanted to make sandwiches for the party as soon as we got home, although I just wanted to sit and put my feet up for awhile. So, we six-handed the sandwiches, tasting as we went. We texted Gladis to make sure she knew what time to meet us. We hastily painted Cassie's nails and then flipped wildly through her closet as she changed her mind yet again about which dress to wear. We laughed when Lacey came downstairs wearing a sun dress, thick tights and boots and a winter jacket. And, we were finally ready to go.
This year, my girls and I took up almost a whole table by ourselves. And, I reflected on how blessed I really am.
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