We Don't Teach These Things

Of course, there will be always the words children utter ....

Franco: "I have a new word for you, "Buggerbutt!"

Aiden: "If I sit on it (referring to a drum stick), it will poke my ass crack!"

Sojo: (speaking loudly) "We should never use the words dumb, stupid and idiot in class, isn't it T. Jonathan?"

Kristine: "MOVE AWAY!
T. Jonathan: "Be polite please."
Kristine: "MOVE AWAY PLEASE!"

Teacher: Good Morning Liya.
(Liya ignores teacher.)
Teacher: Good Morning Liya.
(Liya seems unperturbed.)
Teacher: Liya, when someone says good morning, what do you say?
Liya: NOTHING!

Gone

There was a time when love has been so graciously given. Simple days bearing gifts, ordinary dealings serving special treats, and out of occasions"s sweet exchanges. That was many years ago and as time takes a toil to test the chains of endearment, so does the people involve changes.

It must be the long years of knowing each other so much that hindered the growth of a promising relationship. It must be the trials faced through the times that gapped communication. It must be the constant asking for support that finally snapped the thread of connection and trust.

For life isn't all giving. While giving is divine, there should be limits set before everything is out of control. But this does not materialized because fear is on the way. The fear of being physically hurt and the fear of being scarred through ill refute, the spread of false news. So even if the rope is almost at the end, the giving never stops.

So love is now gone as it is now transformed in fear. The once happy get togethers become massive mishaps and then silent treatments. Voices are raised, eyes darting with fiery while unpleasant words are exchanged. It is no longer healthy. It is going towards hostility.

A relationship that borders on miscommunication or no communication at all brings not just anger and resentment but also failure and future quarrels. A relationship that generates no good energy simply must be shut off. And to say this, is easier said than done. The promises made are no longer the basis to continue loving. The loving is gone, long gone. Though fear permeates, the only fire within is the will to survive and the hope to be free from this bondage.

(Just an emo post)

A Year End Thank You Note

The school year ended and summing it up in a few words isn't enough to express the challenges and joys of teaching. However after ten months of schooling and everyone need to say their goodbyes, I then realized that another batch of students are leaving armed with everything I taught them: resilience, responsibility and readiness.

Here's one thank you note most worthy to blog.

Teacher Jonathan,

My husband and I are so happy that Keanu had the experience of having you as a teacher. It is difficult to put into words the respect we have for you and your teaching skills. Not only did you challenge, motivate and inspire Keanu by opening his mind to many ideas, you also showed great compassion in addressing his sensitivity and emotional needs. You make it easy for kids to love learning and that is to be commended. Keanu loved you and your class from the start and never once became bored. All the parents and children adore you and that speak volumes. We shall miss your kindness, your attentiveness, and your passion for making our children better people.

Thank you... A

P.S. You once told me it was an accident that you became a teacher, but I think it was divine intervention for you were surely meant to teach!