The Full Curriculum…
I am a product of the public school system…
How does the work get done? Back and forth. Back and forth. On a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In the heart of New York City. When I lost absolutely everything I opened my eyes and saw what was there that would not let me go. My notes were in the cloud, transcribed — words that held up. The strength I needed was building itself around me…
Back in 2004 I decided to just take the time I needed. I packed books, blank paper, and pens. The ability for me to simply concentrate — to finish one clear, long thought — became most refined when I left the United States. Because for the first time I was able to have an unobstructed view…of myself. Five years later I thought I had something to share but the universe had other plans. I discovered I needed to take a minute…to focus on what was most important for my own peace of mind long term. When it gets real, it gets real. I kept track as best as I could, the way I have been formally trained and I know how to do based on what I see, with whatever resources were available to me. We should all continue to support our local libraries.
I am a product of the public school system, such as it was when I passed through, with what I brought with me from home. I read and read and read and never stop. And when I cannot read anymore, I write.
There are things known as facts that simply are what they are. I refuse to call the accident of hitting my face to concrete “a blessing in disguise” or a curse. It is simply what happened one day upon my having had too little to eat, being exposed improperly to too much sun, and pushing myself beyond the point of exhaustion. I still would have learned not to mistake any person’s uniform for the character of the person wearing it, and the same holds true for nationality, skin color, and religious affiliation. If you dress up the kindest, smartest people in the world they will still be kind and smart.
“Experience” is an amazing word. I don’t suppose I will ever truly be able to put the memory of the accident behind me. What I learned growing up got me through it. What is time?
