Loss comes in many forms. You can lose many things, money, homes, careers, or other prized possessions. All which can be replaced by money but the loss of a person is overwhelmingly devastating. Nothing can ever replace a person or the relationship. My school community loss one of its precious gems, Tei-onni Moore. The loss of this baby has not only rocked our community to its core but has drawn us closer. I have never witnessed a baby have such a positive effect on students and adults alike. This has made me question my students and myself, "What will people say about you when you are no longer here? What lasting memories do you want to leave?" MAYA ANGELOU said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Thanks Ms. Bennett ;). What will people say about how I made them feel? Will I be proud of their responses? Yes, I have shed many tears over this baby. I mean, I was her teacher but her young life has been so instrumental in reminding myself of my destiny, my calling.
I have always wanted to be a teacher. I am not stuck. It was not a second career choice. It was the choice. The only choice. Like every other realm in my life, I operate with my competitive nature at 100%. Lately, I have not been feeling like that. Crazy but I actually expressed that to a colleague or two within the last week. With this precious baby's passing, has been my reevaluation of "how will I make people feel?" So on that note, thank you Tei-onni. Thank you baby girl. Your impact is insurmountable. My students teach me much more than they will ever know. Empathy, compassion, resilience, forgiveness. Things I would not have learned on my own. I thank you for this. Rest in Heaven Tei-onni. You will be missed. xoxo
-...weeping may endure through the night but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5
Long Beach Black College Expo 2017
