This has been a really complicated week for me. There have been days when I just wanted to cry because I felt so overwhelmed with what is expected of me and what I am trying to accomplish at work. There have been moments that I feel that I’ve actually gotten something done…that I’ve actually helped someone. Most of you know I am a teacher. My work as a teacher is getting increasingly difficult for several reasons. One is that the children I work with are incredibly needy…academically, socially, emotionally. They are in so much pain and that is how I try to see them…not as 24 individuals conspiring to make my day something I dread. So much of my days are consumed with focusing on figuring out how to meet their needs and I rarely feel (at least lately) that I am actually getting to teach. The amount of patience and compassion it takes to address the individual needs of 24 9 and 10 year olds is incredible yet most days…I do it. However…it takes its toll on me…socially, emotionally, physically. Teaching used to be something I loved. Each day as I drive home I attempt to reconcile what happened and what did not happen. I try not to beat myself up. I try to think of the things that went well. Most days when I talk to my wife I feel better about the day. She has a way of helping me re-vision the day. Why is it that I cannot do this myself?