Pivot Point

My students and I have been reading To Kill A Mockingbird.  Lately, as part of our discussion, I asked them to think about the pivot points in their lives.  I have many.  Getting married, becoming a mother - those are probably the biggest.  However, since I've found that kids often relate better when you stretch back to the remember when times, I decided to write about a pivot point from high school.  Here is what I wrote in class today.

One of the huge pivot points of my life came when I was twelve.  I played coronet in the 7th grade band.  I don't remember if it was the first rehearsal, or not.  But, sometime, during the beginning of that year, I met my best friend.

I can't even begin to fathom how different my life would be if I hadn't met J.  My politics, my sense of self, the books I read, the music I listen to, the experiences I had, my empathy to my students, probably even my career choice itself, have all be irrevocably shaped by him.

While there have been other giant pivot points in my life - meeting J and getting to know him almost as well as I know myself changed me forever.

10th grade winter formal. I'm in black, J is in plaid.  The fashion is questionable, but the evening was great.

"I don't know if I've been changed for the better. 

 But, because I knew you, I have been changed for good."   - Wicked

This summer.  Personally, I think we look better - and we're certainly happier.  I may go to high school every day, but I'm glad that's not still my world.  Here's to good friends who have been with you forever.  Blessed.