I’m standing, waiting for the light on 86th and Lexington.
To my left, is a teenage Latino kid, to my right, a 7 year-old or so, Asian boy.
The older one, smoking like a chimney, a tattoo of Tupac across the back of his neck, motions to the younger one to get back up on the curb. “It’s dangerous man,” he says, as the kid wisely listens.
How lovely was that. I’ve said this before, how well brought up Latinos are. I see it often on the train, how they’ll give their seat to the elderly even after working all night, while the rest of humanity couldn’t care less.
The young one, an obvious, upper eastsider who in my opinion should not have been alone, toting a backpack almost as big as he is, was clearly taught to adhere to his elders.
I thought of the beauty in this, as the light changed.
SB
Thanks for sharing this moment, Susannah. There is hope for our youth.
I took a week long assignment with high school kids with behavioral problems. There is absolutely no mental or physical reason for their foul behavior. They aren’t bad one on one, but have a contest to see who can outdo the others when together. Discipline is a ‘pick your battle’ kind of thing. Shelter-in Place announcements are a daily occurrence. I can’t wait for Friday and the end to the madness. I’ll never sub at this school again. I really needed a post like yours to keep me going.
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Wow, that’s saying something Skinny, because I know what patience you have. Look at this Florida tragedy. It’s everywhere, this unrest that goes undetected until it’s too late.
I’m sure the kids you taught all week, gleaned good from your kindness. Sometime it takes time to set in. 🙂
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Not all of them are totally out of control, but the minority ruin it for the rest. Security is in the hallways, constantly patrolling. The Dean came in on Wednesday and thanked me for returning. She said some subs leave before their first day is finished. Each day, as I leave, the other teachers all say the same thing when I pass them in the hall: “Are you coming back tomorrow? We really appreciate that you are here.” Of course, I’m a sucker for that.
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How bout, your humanity is in overdrive. I’d be right there with you. We’re the ones who pop in the lion’s cage and say, ‘here kitty, here kitty.’ It’s the one thing I really like about myself. See, I too was a feral kid, so I get it. You rock Skinny!!!!!!
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As usual, you caught the essence of a situation in a split second. You advised me to keep my eyes open, but it takes much more than that — all one’s senses and keen intuition are necessary. You are tops!
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It was a quick, visual exchange…at first I thought they were together but quickly realized…impossible, though nothing is impossible in New York, but the older kid was just so responsible. Bet he has younger siblings at home. A hunch…:)
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I’m sure your hunch is right.
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So nice to see these days. Helps you keep the faith!
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Yeah, it sure does.
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You’re a great people watcher. People have so many stories in them for those that look.
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This is very true. It was a quick moment, but a touching one. I LOVED the older kid. He had such dignity you could feel. He was raised well, despite his rough packaging. That’ll teach us. 🙂
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Ah, it’s nice to get a dose of humanity with my coffee in the morning. Thanks for sharing this gem ❤ I love "hey man."
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Funny, right? And the kid didn’t hesitate nor show any attitude. He knew a teacher had spoken. Grasshopper needs a life.
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Hahahaha! or a Tupac tattoo.
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I was thinking of getting one. It’s one way of having a man, and he raps too…:)
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There is a middle-aged suburban mom at the gym who wears a Tupac t-shirt to workout. It makes me laugh every time I see it. Clearly, she had a life before she sold her soul to be a Stepford wife.
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He was very interesting. There’s a documentary about him I recommend. I think his mother made it. Let’s hear it for moms everywhere. I expect you, Top, to get up and take a bow…:)
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