I am a beginning blogger and have no idea what to post, so I decided to add TT#3 (life story). It's about the moment I found out my parents were getting divorced. This is a difficult topic for me, and I try to not let it define me, but due to specific circumstances it proves to be difficult at times. I only recently discovered how much it still affects me after reading a book recommended to me by one of my older brothers. The book is called The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study. It is part of a series of three by Judith S. Wallerstein about the different stages involved in coping with divorce. If any of you are children of divorce or are interested in the topic, I encourage you to look into the series. In a world where divorce is becoming the norm, I feel such books will be helpful inside the classroom working with children before, during, and even years after divorce. So anyway, below is my TT#3.
The Talk
I didn’t see it coming.
I was a naive third grader who thought my world was perfect; there was nothing to worry about. But that day I could feel that something was not right. I was home sick from school, and my mom and dad were both there. They did not say a single word to one another in front of me. There was no communication, no looks, nothing. They would disappear from time to time to argue in private, but all parents fight—right?
When my brothers got home from school we had a family dinner, and then it was time for a talk—the talk that changed everything. My parents were getting divorced. I didn’t believe them at first. I though it was a joke and started laughing. Then it occurred to me. My three older brothers, the strongest people I knew, were breaking down in tears all around me. In that moment my heart beat so hard I swear I could have seen it if I looked down. But I couldn’t look down; I couldn’t move at all. All I could do was cry.
In an instant it was over and my life was changed forever.
I am sorry they told you when you were sick. That kinda sucks. My parents never divorced so I don't know what it is like.
ReplyDeleteYou did a really good job writing the story even though it was sad. Hopefully someday when you have kids in your classroom that have parents going through a divorce you will know how to best help them since you will have known first hand.
ReplyDeleteYour story is so powerful and written very well! The descriptive details that you used really made me feel like I was there experiencing the moment with you. I am so sorry that you had to go through this; I can't even imagine what it must have been like.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is powerful. Definitely hits a personal note with me, because my parents divorced when I was 14, so I know how difficult it is. And thanks for the book recommendation, I will check that out!
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for sharing that part of you with us! You will have an experience that will make it so you can relate to your students when they have to go through things like this!
ReplyDeleteWhile divorce is not something I can personally attend to, I find it very comforting that you are able to talk so openly about your situation. I hope everything is going well in your family these days, I can only imagine how that might make things difficult. Your suggestion for students is great! I think that you having experience divorce yourself will really make you appealing to students if they ever need to talk to you about it.
ReplyDeleteI was kind of speech less when I got done reading. I have never had to go through anything like that I am sure it was tremendously hard! Your voice was great through out the whole poem and I could really feel your emotion when I was reading.
ReplyDeleteThis is an outstanding excerpt! I, personally, did not have to go through my parents being divorced, but my boyfriend went through over five step fathers growing up and never had a stable life of any form. I know it tremendously sucks sometimes, but everything in life happens for a reason. We just have to learn to take what we are handed and turn it into the best possible situation for ourselves, as well as those lives we affect. You will be able to use your experiences to relate to a majority of your students on a much more personal, and understanding level. In some way, I envy you for being able to discuss such a situation so openly and it will definitely work in your favor for your career!
ReplyDeleteWow! Great job! You can be a great help to students in your class going through the same thing!
ReplyDeleteIt still has the same impact on me as when I read it the first time to edit it. You have a way of expressing your feelings extraordinarily well.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really powerful story. Great job creating strong emotion!
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