See the joy, see the promise, smile and love
This morning I learnt that a young woman I know, only 17, died in a car
crash in the weekend. One of the really great things about working
with teenagers is that they are all full of hope and promise, even the
naughty ones. I really struggle with the idea of Ms L, a warm,
friendly girl with a good work ethic and a desire to be a mum (she was
training to be a nanny at the polytech and was also experienced in farm
work), slashed from this life.
Don't grieve for me. I'll be alright, blessed with my own children and the gift of so many other young people to spend time with. Just remember the great joy of life and smile at the teens in your life, on your street, your bus, at your supermarket checkout. No matter if they are pushing a pram when you think they are too young, or smoking a fag when you think they are too poor, or making too much noise or filling the footpath. Love that aliveness.
I won't forget your smile Ms L, or your melodrama. I remember talking about England with you, and your journey to a new life here on the Coast. We spent a lot of time sorting out your work, and it paid off that year. Many of us remember how you and your mate saved the school bus when the driver had a medical problem and lost control of the bus last year. You made a difference Ms L. Our world and our lives were the better for your presence.
Don't grieve for me. I'll be alright, blessed with my own children and the gift of so many other young people to spend time with. Just remember the great joy of life and smile at the teens in your life, on your street, your bus, at your supermarket checkout. No matter if they are pushing a pram when you think they are too young, or smoking a fag when you think they are too poor, or making too much noise or filling the footpath. Love that aliveness.
I won't forget your smile Ms L, or your melodrama. I remember talking about England with you, and your journey to a new life here on the Coast. We spent a lot of time sorting out your work, and it paid off that year. Many of us remember how you and your mate saved the school bus when the driver had a medical problem and lost control of the bus last year. You made a difference Ms L. Our world and our lives were the better for your presence.
Comments
I don't doubt that you will be fine. But I'd like to offer my condolences all the same, and honour you for the work you do both with peers of your own children and the teens you rub shoulders with at school....not to mention all the other folk in your community, who you bless.
~Rachael