Fireflies Rise from the Rotten Grass
June 10–14, 2021; Amherst, MA USA
Seasonal Memoir #8
I feel myself fortunate when I notice something going on around me, and then take the time to observe it (rather than just watch it). This week, I observed a rafter of wild turkey within feet of our back porch. Usually, we just get a few, but this time, it was at least a dozen-and-a-half fowl. There was a lead scout, who was “speaking” to the flock, and who changed her tune when she sensed our dog, Kiwi, watching. Several in the flock, however, were preoccupied with chasing each other in what looked like classic bullying (likely to assert dominance). Others were looking for contributions to their omnivore diet. Eventually, they made their way through our back yard and on to the neighbor’s property. Clearly, this was their routine.
Taking the time to observe something with a childlike curiosity seems to transcend reality. Time slows or stops, and one becomes hyper aware of what’s in front of him (and oblivious to what’s not obvious). Wonder abounds, and questions flow. I find these moments are amplified when you are alone with just the subject(s). No distractions from silly banter. Just you in the moment. Special. What if we made time for one such moment each day, deliberately? This is mindfulness practice in essence. I wish I did this more regularly.
This would have been our last week in Dubai, but alas. There was so much I wanted to share with the faculty and staff, and with my administrative colleagues. Instead, I decided to keep it simple, and take the high road, letting go:
Dear Faculty and Staff:
Please accept a sincere congratulations for making it to the final week of school! There is no pithy way to summarize the last eleven months of pandemic education, so I will simply offer my admiration and appreciation for all you have done. While I would have liked to share this moment with you, I am nevertheless sincerely thankful to Becky, to the leadership team, to the health office team, and to many, many others who have brought the community to this point by simply doing their jobs with distinction.
I want to extend a personal thank you from Tina and me to all of you who taught, mentored, or simply helped our two children during our four years at ASD. Camille finished her first year at Colorado State University and is eager to continue on studying zoology, and Zach has settled back into life in the US, and is excited for his senior year in public school in Amherst, MA. Tina has plans to resume her nurse practitioner vocation, and is pursuing opportunities in palliative care, locally. And I am keeping plenty busy, preparing to teach a course for Global Online Academy in the fall, trying to write more often, and preparing for a one-year Interim HS Principal position in Europe, before Tina and I leave for Mumbai in 2022.
We leave Dubai with many new friendships and countless fond memories. We leave with our core values and self-respect intact, and with no regrets. I hope you are able to take the summer weeks to recharge, in the location of your choice, and take satisfaction in the truly unique and important role you have played in the lives of our students. I wish you the very best, whether you are returning to ASD, or whether you are off on a new adventure. Please stay in touch (Reina can give you my private email upon request).
Be well,
Paul Richards
