I should start this by saying that I posted “Backward Reflection” (see earlier post) on FB and the caption I added to it was completely different than what I put on my blog. The difference? A few hours. Time for reflection. Daily News. Current Days Events. Dream Reflection.
Some things I can’t discuss but what I am able to share is the lesson I’ve learned thus far from the experience. And it all surrounds “the heart.” I looked at it from a very different perspective. A metaphorical perspective of everything the heart symbolizes.
In addition to my days’ experiences, I had a ridiculous dream last night. Although, I’m almost positive, it was this morning. I remember two parts but I’ll only share one. The other, I’m still trying to process and understand so I’ll save that one for myself. In one part, I remember running around frantically searching for myself. I was seemingly lost and couldn’t figure out where I had placed myself but in my heart of hearts, I knew I was ‘here’ all along. Within myself. Within my heart.
So I come home tonight from these “activities” and my son tells me that my old junior high school, Julia De Burgos, burned down today. Cause of fire, still unknown. It had been sitting empty for years on the corners of 8th & Lehigh. Full of graffiti and street art, this building held a lot of memories for me. I only went to that school for one year. 6th grade. But still, it’s a part of my life that I will never forget. Set RIGHT in the middle of “El Barrio.” The Puerto Rican neighborhood I grew up in.
I remember meeting Wilfredo there. I knew him for one only that one year. He lived in my neighborhood and was also in my classroom. Sometimes he’d come around my house and hang out with me. Each of us on different sides of my fenced back yard. Wilfredo had a lazy eye. I remember in school, other kids would make fun of him because of it. I always saw him as, a boy. Another 11 year old human being. I remember how he was patient with me as he taught me “bubble letters” although, they were more like “square-ish/triangular-ish letters.” I still use it ‘till this day.
I remember learning to play HORSE (Although I could NOT play it today if you asked it of me) during a summer I spent at their camp.
Summer of 1997.
Participating that same summer in the “Educational Summer Olympics Program.” I also remember the fight I got into with some girl (names will not be disclosed) because of those very same letters Wildfredo taught me to draw. Apparently the boy’s name I drew out was HER boyfriend and because I was writing his name, I liked him. Huh? But ok. We’ll skip that. Except that we can’t because she got her uncle to come to the school and threatened to shoot my entire family if I ever messed with her again. Moms wasn’t having it. Penn Treaty Middle School became my new home.
Still, I reflect on my time there and it’s good. A HUGE part of who I am is intertwined with all of the experiences I’ve had in my past. (Hence the “Photo of the Day” caption change.) My favorite teacher and the one who instilled a love of English in me. was my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Horner. Never will forget him either. He taught me the importance of an OUTLINE. How to write one out and how useful they were when writing. Ok, I’ll admit it! I had a slight crush on him too! Don’t judge me!
These reflections have all made me realize that looking back, realizing where you come from, where you’ve been, the experiences you’ve had, the people you’ve had them with, the changes from who you were to who you are TODAY, is in fact, a good thing. It reinforces your strength in self. And so today has been an excellent day for reflecting on home. On heart. Oh, and *cheers* those dreams that help us better understand ourselves. Goodnight Dreamers.
Enjoy the pictures.
Cyberworld. Off.
~Eternal.Blossom
