Root Beer Floats and ACEs

I was recently in Chicago for the ASCD conference, and on our last day, we wandered into a diner.  I saw customers who had striped straws and new I wanted a root beer float.

When it arrived, it was MUCH LARGER than what I saw on tables but....well.....oh man.....let's go for it.

The first sips of my float immediately took me to the back table of my family house next to the cream colored refrigerator.  My tūtū had her seat at the end of the table and she'd listen to Hawaiian music, sew puakenikeni lei, and work on crossword puzzles, sometimes calling out to my Uncle Jimmy next door who'd be doing the same puzzle on his back yard table.  My tūtū was the only one who enjoyed sips of root beer every once in a while.  If you happened to be near her when she wanted a sip of soda, she'd sneak you a sip too.

Wow, random, where did that come from?

When I shared this experience with a colleague upon my return, he said, "Just like our kids, too, right?  Different moments and experiences can trigger strong memories and emotions out of no where.  Lucky for you, it was a positive experience."

I felt winded.  Like a feather made me fall over.  All from a root beer float.

As I encounter students who become triggered unexpectedly, may I never forget how I did not willingly call my positive experience forward.

Yet, I am grateful my tūtū joined me for some root beer. 💕  Today's also her birthday.  Happy 108!

I am reminded

Edited: I originally had numbered statements but after reading Jan's reflection on the day, I decided to elaborate.

__________________________________________

I'm was invited to an event titled Hawai'i Educators Write retreat today as an alumni of the Hope Street Group Teacher Fellowship.

The retreat was held on the beautiful and serene campus of Kāne'ohe Elementary.  This campus is BEAUTIFUL.

I always feel nervous going to something for the first time, especially if I'm not quite sure about its purpose.  

My initial nervousness caused me to not look carefully on the sign in sheet which was organized by first name (I'm a Y) rather than last name (I'm an A) and I thought I was left off for some reason because I also did not get the confirmation in the days prior; only the email mention of the bento being changed.  The helpful person ran off to ask about me since I thought I wasn't on the list. 😵‍💫😭😵  

I'm so sorry, I can read.  Is this what happens to our kids sometimes?  Good thing she didn't lecture me after my mistake.  I would have felt worse.

After that, perhaps with the location in my hometown, at the school of a leader I know, at the school of my niece and nephews, a place where I once played soccer, seeing familiar faces I have never seen in "real life" or for a while, I felt settled and at peace and at home.

THESE types of convenings invigorate me because I get to be a learner.  No student, faculty, staff, or parent demands, simply learning - with music, in nature, because I chose it.

The types of educators who attend these sessions are energetic, hopeful, passionate, curious, and THESE are my favorite educators (or people in general) to be with.  Their energy fills my bucket.

When I saw my former leader, Jan Iwase, and knowing this was about writing, I realized I have not written in a long time 🥺.

So here I am, reminded of my writing, reminding me of my voice.  What will I do next?  How do I bring all the parts of me forward?