I am beginning to feel the leaving part. It is hard after almost 15 years in a place that helped me find my voice as a teacher, a learner, and, most importantly, as a person. Here, I watched young people grow and flourish. What I want to try to remember is the Buddhist understanding of departure. We take something with us from each experience and leave something behind. We are never fully gone from where we were or separated from those we were with. There is something indelible left on both sides of the relationship.
One thing that the leaving part has done is given me some words to write. That has been the gift of the last year: I find words in many places and experiences.
A true paradox this space-
Not always quiet–
Still a sanctuary;
In this space–
Refuge emerged.
We co-created
Learned together–
Grew as one,
Remained individuals
Not easy things to do.
Relationships flourished–
Built inseparable bonds.
In this rectangular circle,
Welcomed each others presence
Witnessed each others human essence
Called each others name
Called those names from the heart.
When we leave–
And, we must,
We look at our time together
Look back with reverence
With no regret.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 