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!
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