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Letting Go


While in Pueblo
you were parents of my students,
but more importantly, my friends.
After all, McClelland is a family.
We talked, joked, and confided in each other
like sisters do.
I left for summer looking forward to the
change I would find upon my return.
That year instead of excitement,
the new school year brought chastisement,
accusations, and allegations with no chance to speak.
People I thought of as friends
chased away my exhilaration.
I put a smile on my face,
determination in my stride,
and met the school year head on -
complete with demeaning, inept, and judgmental
challenges that came my way.
My team one of strength, bravery and courage
holding me up with each new blow.
As the fall turned into winter,
I overcame distrust and welcomed you in again.
Smiles, laughter, and honesty filled the year.
When it was time for me to move on,
you sent me on my way with warm wishes
and promises to keep in touch.
I said goodbye and began my new adventure.

Whispers of your relief about my leaving
reached me 2,000 miles away.
My heart began to weep.
You were my friends.
My family.
You told me you believed in me.
You supported me as a teacher.
The silence of staying connected was deafening to me.
Why?
Weren’t we all a family at McClelland?
Don’t families stay in touch?
Three years ago
my family gave up all we knew and
I moved halfway across the country to join your family.
Have I been banished?
“Good luck, Mandie!”
“Stay in touch.”
Your words echoing in my head.
Feelings of betrayal
weighing me down.
I waited for you to contact me,
Wondering…
My silence just as loud.
Time passed and the hurt diminished.
Accepting I am
no longer part of the family,
I begin life in a new one
embracing the warmth and kindness
of Southern hospitality
I start letting go
of the hurt,
the betrayal,
the family
and begin welcoming
the happy McClelland memories
of days gone by.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 7, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Mandie I have found that in life it is very easy to say I will keep in touch and with computors it should be easy but I guess it really boils down to time. I am sorry that people have forgotten you because it is their lost if they did. You are one super woman and you have done so much for people and students. You do still have friends and ONE SUPER FAMILY. Keep smiling. Love you. Marguerite

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 7, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    It will happen again momma. this only happens cause they are jealous, you change the lives of students where as they don't. they are threatened by the way that you are so sure of yourself. Love, Sana

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mandie RobertsonJune 7, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    It takes both sides to loose touch. I am just as guilty of not doing better to stay in touch. I listened to the negative rather than focus on the good times. I have no hard feelings toward anyone and consider myself blessed to have had the experience I had while in Colorado - the good and the bad. They both shaped the person I am today.

    ReplyDelete

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