Upon Further Review

Dear Maria,

Temperature in the 50s and suddenly I am chasing down a sweater for the morning walk. And rain. The good news is that yesterday I saw the first hatch of bluebirds take wing—and not so gracefully—and make it from the bird condo to the white oak and then off through the trees that grow along the property lines behind my neighbors. Also, the pyracantha is blooming for the first time, the knockouts are coming along, and even one of the pittosporum out front is showing a little flower.

I guess you have seen the news of the shooting in North Charleston. Maybe watched the video. About an hour ago, on my way home from the grocery store, I saw a car pulled over by a local officer, and, honestly, I couldn’t help but think not only of his safety, but the safety of the woman behind the wheel. Ferguson didn’t prompt such deep consideration on my part, but when geographical proximity narrows, maybe events hit home more forcefully.

Or maybe it was the circumstances.  I don’t know, but I have read enough commentary to think that policing as a public, state-sponsored effort is complex and beyond punditry. I do know that when lethal force is a possibility I want, like everyone else, no mistake to be made. But then, of course, there is that human element. That in-the-moment moment. All I see, I see with an outsider’s eye.

The only parallel I can offer is thinly drawn—mistakes in the classroom in the moment, and, yep, sometimes in the heat of the moment. Not too often in a heated fashion, or so I recall. And as for folks who are not teaching, plenty offer up views on what is right, what would be better, or what is wrong with education.

An outsider’s view has merit, of course. But unless you hear the voicings, unless you know the history, unless you are there—well, second-guessing comes easily. To strike a balance between being there and post-event appraisal—can’t do it in 30 seconds or a post on Facebook.

Not that anyone wants to read anything much longer than a paragraph or so.

Overcast skies, cooler temperatures, and more rain coming. Bah humbug!  Can I say that in April? Want me to end on a more positive note? Max did not snap and bark at the vacuum cleaner Monday. Three-year-olds.

As always, my very best to you and the family.

Yours, srk