Back-to-School, Tears, and Finding Light in the Space Between

 

Back-to-School,Tears and Finding Light in the Space Between

Back-to-school season always puts owls in my mind. Maybe it’s the wisdom they symbolize—or maybe it’s just the old classroom decorations, with wide-eyed owls perched on colorful letters.

As I thought of owls, I remembered a special book from my days as a kindergarten teacher: Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel. In one story, Owl pours out a cup of his own tears and bravely drinks them, learning to sit with his feelings, even when they are lonely or sad. Lately, that image feels far too real; I think I could fill a whole cup myself some days.

Reading to my Granddaughter

This time of year is especially hard because I wasn’t able to see my granddaughter off on her first day of school. Divorce has a way of carving spaces between people, and I fear sometimes those spaces are too wide for words to cross. I pray for her every day. Some days, I’m afraid I’ll leave this world without telling her, again and again, how much I love her.

Very First, 1st Day of School for Granddaughter

But then I remember how Owl at Home teaches us that even on days when we are our own company and our tears are near, we can find a certain gentle bravery. Just as Owl learned to make peace with his feelings and move forward, I find hope in believing that the love I send out into the world—especially for my granddaughter—will find its way, even when we are apart.

If you’re missing someone this season, too, let’s hold onto hope—the kind that grows stronger, like Owl’s quiet strength, even in the spaces between.