This morning, with her little button nose smushed up as close to me as she could get, Tessa sang me a song. I couldn’t understand the words, but her smile told me it was a sweet one.
My day has been filled with moments that I want to freeze in my memory. Like for many around me, it is hard to digest all that has happened this week. I find my breath catching in my chest as I soak in the calm breeze in my backyard, or my sweet five-year-old chattering with a robin outside her window.
We have so much.
I did not wake to the news of Dallas this morning. Before the national news, another devastating headline about a former student crossed my feed. He, a troubled child, too adult before he was ready, sat in my study hall not too many years ago and dared me to attempt to control him.
I won him over, quickly, with patience and Jolly Ranchers.
I never found anger to be a useful tool, nor lectures. I don’t know that either can help a person gain perspective or bring warring sides together. But a show of love to the unkind, the hurt, the confused – that has seemed to build bridges, at least in my life.
Just a couple months ago, that student crossed my path again, sitting in the office of our building, inquiring about how he might be able to finish his high school degree.
He had been through so much. Made so many bad choices. An adolescent with a brain that did not work like an adult’s, thrown into Big, Heavy situations long before his mind could control his body as he needed it to.
I do not know what chance he will have to finish now. We could not save him.
Today I have soaked in every little privilege that my life circumstance has afforded me – the pile of books on the playroom floor, which my girls have been raised to love, the box of chocolate from my loving and devoted husband, fresh, clean clothes and our own laundry machine in the basement. Clean water, clean home, stability, resources, safety, education, love.
We have so much.
I can’t imagine the lives of those who do not live as I do, but I understand that by pure chance, it has been different. And so I learn as much as I can. I pray and try to be kind and gentle. I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know what words to say. I don’t know how to stop the hurt.
This morning, Tessa sang me a song. Her sweet words were incomprehensible, but beautiful nonetheless.
We have so much.
Someday I will understand.
Yo soy La Lay 
So often your writing gives cause to pause and reflect and appreciate. Today I aspire to be as honest and humble as you. My daughter has shown me true love, strength and courage and she is only just two years old. I will support her and admire her every day with a smile on my face because she deserves no less.
You are so sweet! Our children are so amazing, aren’t they? They really give us so much just by existing in our lives. ❤️
Your words today make me cry and smile. We do have so much and I agree that love shown is boundless. I am sad for your student. He was blessed to have you in his life amidst all his chaos. Just keep caring and appreciating and praying for each of His children. I love you Maggie and you are inspiring for me.