The Journey Inward

Last week,
I sat in a meeting
with my response to intervention team
and the mother of a young student.
He had been struggling,
but we had supplied him with many supports-
physical and instructional and personal.
He was making progress, finding success.

Our translator conveyed this to Mom,
who was quiet and serious.
She seemed a bit overwhelmed 
with our collection of data and work samples,
as well as all the faces around the table.

As we wrapped the meeting,
Mom grabbed our interpreter's arm
and implored her with a penetrating look.
Through tears, she spoke in Spanish,
glancing around at us.
The translation:  Thank you.  
Thank you for all you've done for my son.
Thank you for caring about him.
Thank you for helping him.
Thank you for helping us.
He has opportunities in this country
that he never could have had in mine.

Not an eye was dry.
This boy,
son of this extraordinary mom,
both working harder than so many of their peers...
they are our future, too.
And I was grateful that our school doors were open to them
and so many others.
Opportunity.