The Journey Inward

Last week I received flowers from a friend,
a fellow teacher, fellow mom, 
navigating a difficult time at home. 
The flowers came with a card.
Curious, I opened it to understand 
why I was the recipient of such generosity.
Inside, the card thanked me for being there for her,
for giving extra doses of friendship,
at a time when she feels "extra."
It made me laugh out loud to hear 
extra used in both ways.
I immediately went across the hall to thank her
and give her a big hug.

Throughout the week,
those flowers have moved back and forth,
from classroom to classroom,
and to a third teacher friend,
as we joke about being "extra"
and reminding each other that flowers are lovely,
but no thank you gifts are needed for being there for each other.
It's what we do.  It's who we are.


If we didn’t work at an elementary school, we might consider beer steins instead of flowers next time!

Raise a glass to true friends,
the ones who’ve got your back,
who will listen to you ruminate,
agitate, frustrate, 
and never see you as anything other
than the most imperfect perfection,
for we are never “extra” when we open up,
show our soft underbelly,
and make a bid for connection. 
We are giving the gift of friendship,
the freedom to show up as we are
and be loved and accepted. 

Photo:  10.17.24 by LA