"I worked at an after-school program for elementary kids, and one of the children was still getting used to his parent's separation. He would become suddenly sullen during moments of the day, and I'd ask him about his feelings and mostly listen and be present with him. I couldn't fix his pain, but I could show him that I cared. And then, after a while, I'd challenge him to a race because it was one of his most favorite things to do.
I think about this experience a lot because I didn't have the answers. I didn't need to. It was a matter of seeing his pain and sitting with him. It was hard, but it was valuable for me, and I hope especially for him because presence is such a subtle skill but so very difficult to manifest. But there's not a student, who in their need, can't have someone at least be present."
