We went to the Minnesota DMV for Tolga’s fourth attempt at passing the written exam. He didn’t pass, and came out and stated, “I’m an idiot. You are going to have to go to those classes and become one of those special teachers (Special Ed) so you can teach me too.”
I thought about it later, Tolga is very rarely self-deprecating. He normally has a strong sense of self, very strong especially considering our circumstances that constantly challenge our sense-of-self. It is sobering to see his strength and realize at the same time how vulnerable we are to being torn down – and how necessary it is for us to always be building one another up.
I taught at the Gladstone school today – a school for severe behavior problem students. They were much improved since the last time I was there (but when I mentioned it to one staff member, she repeatedly contradicted my oberservations so I finally gave up). Anyhow, one girl was feeling sick and kept complaining. Finally, she dramatically put her hand to her mouth saying she may throw up. I looked at her eyes, wasn’t sure, but decided it wouldn’t hurt to have her go to the bathroom. Good thing, because no sooner had she entered and I heard the gushing dump of liquid into the toilet to which she immediately announced, “I threw up!”, and then threw up again.
Blech!
I think there is a symbolic connection here between building one another up and vomit, but I'm too tired to make it.
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