Processing

Friday, I spent the end of my second hour and all of my third hour class in the basement cafeteria of our school. I was there with the entire fourth floor. We had no idea, aside from rumors, as to what was going on. Because of the looks on the faces of staff, the kids knew this wasn't a drill. They were beautiful, in spite of the fear. I was so very proud of how they handled it. I was one of a handful of people that had any cell service in the depths of our centenarian fortress. So, I texted the FireMan to find out that he could. He gave me info about what was on the outside, but that TEMS had not been called in. Eventually, we got the all clear.

All of this came about from a threat on social media. Stupid teenage drama on social media.

From our freshmen.

It was a week of "She said that you said" on some bogus student created FB page. THOTs is an acronym I wish they would toss out of their minds. Focus own building themselves up as females, instead of tearing each other down for the attention of an adolescent male...seems to be insanity to this old mind of mine. But that was the root of the whole week's drama.

And from our babies.

Being a junior teacher, I am really out of the loop. BUT, I could feel it in the air. I had said something to admin the day before.

Anyway, Friday after our debriefing meeting I walked out with another teacher...just beaten down from the week. I am stretched so frickin' thin. I was/am so dang tired.  And I looked back at the building as we were being grumpy and miserable together and saw the evening sunset lighting up my building.  That moment reminded me that there was a reason I was doing all of this.

And I went home a smidge less grumpy.

There was our first fire waiting for me in the fireplace. Chili to warm my insides by that lovely fire. 

And the news was on.

And the blood.

And the fear.

And the panic.

Suddenly, I wasn't sure I could really keep going with this. I have not even shared this insecurity with my husband as of yet.  It just seems that it is everywhere. That it is surrounding me. 

But, in the vaults of my damaged brain, I am aware that these 129 lives lost cannot be in vain. That is must make our resolve stronger to make this world less broken...starting with me. Starting with my muppets. Starting with my kids at school.

I am aware of that.

But, am I strong enough to make that happen?? You know, while I am setting aside my curriculum to focus on literacy since our kids are going off to college unable write a coherent essay or read a college textbook. How can I address literacy and peace in society when neither are truly valued and both can be construed as signs of weakness?

I am still processing. I don't know where to start. I know that this is not about being married to a firefighter and I will get nastygrams pertaining to that. Instead of wasting your time and mine, move along. I am a firewife. This is who I am. This is my blog. From there very beginning I have fought with people to remind them that I am the sum of ALL my parts and I do not fit into any one pigeon hole. And, I am human - with all the human failings and glories. I am a teacher. I am lost on this journey right now. But, I have kids all around me that I need to help find their way on this journey. No time to be lost. Only time to find our way through this. Violence and hatred never end well.

Heroes come in many sizes

We spent the afternoon at my sister-in-law's the other day.  We have to watch our time carefully because the  pick up traffic is insane at the kids' school.  Anyway, on our way home, J's phone rings in my lap and it is the kids' school.  I worry for a moment. Instantly, I wonder if O is going to need stitches somewhere above her shoulders.  The principal is on the other end.

"I just wanted to personally call you.  We had a bit of an incident at school and N was involved."  

Not what a mom wants to hear. You should have seen the wheels turning in my brain as I try to figure out which of the possible situations was the one she was referring to.  He has ALWAYS played copper in the classroom, reminding people of the rules and regulations.  I thought for sure that had gotten him in trouble.

She went on to tell me that he overheard another pair of kids' heated discussion yesterday.  Today, the one who felt wronged, brought a knife to school and was ready to use.  N, heard it, took the kid who was the intended target out of the hallway and into a classroom, where he closed the door.  And then found a teacher to intervene. Amazing who quick he was, thinking on his feet.  I was proud beyond words.

The principal assured me that this had never happened in the school as long as she had been here.  Especially since we did some politicking to get into this school when we brought the kids back into the city.  She told us within a week or two how thrilled she was to have the muppets.  My FF just went in that morning to see if they needed anyone for the governance council next year...and then this happens.  It could happen anywhere, we both know it.  The issue at hand really is HOW it is addressed.  

The child will not be back and it is a sad statement, really.  There was an issue and that was the only solution he could see to make things right.  The trust of adults or discussion was not there.  And that is heartbreaking.  But at the same time, I am so proud to be N's Momma.  He's mine and he did well.  He was brave.  He's a bit frightened to go back to school. He did intervene when someone threatened to kill someone else and had a knife in his hand at that moment.  He made a difference.  Too often, too many people turn a blind eye to things just like this.  He will keep this with him for his entire life.  This was a life lesson and he did well.  

Some heroes where capes, some camo, some bunkers.  Mine, he wears Vans.