Mean while my students are in the middle of a clay unit, their work built, having yet to make it to the kiln for a bisque fire. My classroom a mess of epic proportion as clay dust has consumed the space along with muddy tools, and plastic covered trays that have taken over the counter tops. Art continues to hang up and down the halls waiting to be returned to students who are eager to take it home.
To top it all off, as my students are done building with clay, and I was preparing to clean the space, fire the kiln, I also have one more iron in the fire. I have a guest speaker coming to visit my students. Our next lesson focuses on the work of a local artist and I am excited to bring his ideas and energy to my students. In an attempt to build better connections to local artist and the arts within our community, I asked if he would be willing to take time to come speak to my students. Now I will not be present to facilitate this event.
Having no other option than to accept this fate, I take a deep breath and focus on what is of dyer importance. Once I becaame able to accept it, and because of the amazing support from my administrators and colleagues I walk away. It is amazing the amount of piece one gets after accepting, releasing, and letting go. The only haunting notion left lingering on my mind is not having a chance to say goodbye to my kids.