Today I learned that a student at the middle school where I work is critically ill. I don't know the student, but I was [obviously] affected by reading the family's blog and seeing the staff work with students as they process their feelings. This boy seemed to be more or less fine one day, and was then in crisis out-of-the-blue. It is heart-wrenching to think what this family is going through.
As my thoughts went to my own children, I thought about how some days I have to resist the urge to keep them with me, holding them, hugging them, never letting them out in the world, as if that could keep them safe and happy (well it might keep me happy). Last winter around this time, Philip was out of the country on business. I had to drop off Violet early one morning at Winter Camp and picked her up later than usual. It was a much longer day than she had ever spent away. I was really freaked out about her having that long of a day and was driving like a maniac to pick her up. When I got there I was almost in tears. When I told her I was sorry and that I had been worrying about her, she looked up and said, "Mommy, the whole time you were worrying about me, I was having a great time!"
So I am trying to visualize this young man waking up and telling his parents, "Don't worry about me, I'm gonna be fine!"
Quite the surprise! I am used to finding these in April, in the midwest. This is December in L.A.!! Can't wait to fry 'em up! Yummy! Tomorrow we will go back and look for more!
