Goodbye?
This afternoon I sat on the swings with one of the 7th grade girls and cried about having to say 'goodbye.'
One of the negative parts of being a TCK....having to say goodbye not just to people but to the world or culture that they live in.
This year for the students has been especially unique being that it is the first year back after the attack. Instead of things being more like a boarding school, the atmosphere is more like that of a really big family. Next year will be different. There will be about 20 more students, more staff, and the whole boarding set up will be completely different. So, when they leave in three days they will be saying goodbye to this family as they know it; and returning to a school community.
This 7th grade girl has every right to cry. To grieve. There is no point in telling her to look at the bright side, to enjoy what she has while she has it, to not dwell on this departure in 3 days. Everything she is feeling or concerned about is true. Next year will be different. Her friendships will change. Dynamics will not be what they were . She needs to be able to grieve in her own way, and not be told to bury it. She needs a hug; not advice.
How am I ever going to say goodbye to these girls?!
One of the negative parts of being a TCK....having to say goodbye not just to people but to the world or culture that they live in.
This year for the students has been especially unique being that it is the first year back after the attack. Instead of things being more like a boarding school, the atmosphere is more like that of a really big family. Next year will be different. There will be about 20 more students, more staff, and the whole boarding set up will be completely different. So, when they leave in three days they will be saying goodbye to this family as they know it; and returning to a school community.
This 7th grade girl has every right to cry. To grieve. There is no point in telling her to look at the bright side, to enjoy what she has while she has it, to not dwell on this departure in 3 days. Everything she is feeling or concerned about is true. Next year will be different. Her friendships will change. Dynamics will not be what they were . She needs to be able to grieve in her own way, and not be told to bury it. She needs a hug; not advice.
How am I ever going to say goodbye to these girls?!
posted by She Rah Bowling Queen @ 5:22 AM
2 Comments:
At 6:16 PM,
Rockin' it up said…
I can't imagine how you'll do it, but gracefully I'm sure. I use to cry at the end of a week at camp..you just get to know people so quick when you're in a confined space/environment. Hope all goes well, you'll be in my prayers.
At 6:16 PM,
Rockin' it up said…
p.s. where are you going next? Some tropical island? I forget, sorry!
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