Musicians learn from difficulty.
Three years ago, I taught at a 7-12 school.
Two months in, I received a 911 text from my brother—my mother's face was swelling rapidly. They were on their way to the hospital.
I called the main office and got the principal’s secretary. I explained the situation, and she said, “Go. I will get coverage”.
I left.
Later in the day, the principal called, angry. “Why did you leave your classroom with no teacher for 22 minutes?”
Wha?
I was standing in the waiting room, and mother had just been visited by the ER physician. In whispers, I quickly explained the situation and that I had gotten the go-ahead from her secretary to leave.
Principal: You should've told me.
Me: But I talked to your secretary who said—
Principal: She's not your boss. I am.
Me: (no longer speaking in whispers) So you wanted me to interrupt your meeting with the superintendent and the board members? That would've been ok?
Principal: *silence*
Me: Also, she said—
Principal: It doesn't matter w.h.a.t. she said.
I was written up for that incident.
Turns out, my mom ended up experiencing an allergic reaction to some fruit she had. All was well after a shot.
I don't know who was right or wrong in this classroom scenario. But I do know this:
- I will never hesitate to take care of family. I can get another job. I can't get another her.
- I remembered this whole situation.
This morning, my assistant's mom was taken to the hospital. Our team banded together: we got coverage, sent coffee to where she was going to be, and made sure she had no worries on this end while taking care of her family.
A very different response indeed.
Sometimes the challenging experiences you have in one era in your life inform how you don't want to be as you grow.
It always shows up in the music of your life.
Also, hug and squeeze your loved ones.
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