Gather the Good

Every December 31 for as long as I can remember, I’ve made New Year’s resolutions. And for as long as I can remember, those resolutions—often the same ones year after year—quickly fell by the wayside. Each time I failed to follow through, I ended up feeling disappointed. I berated myself for my lack of discipline and added a layer or two of guilt I felt I deserved. Several years ago I transitioned from the impossible resolution lists to creating vision boards. I…

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Holiday music programs became pretty standard at JDC while I was there. After that first year, the audience grew to include many adults working with the students.  There were  probation officers, attorneys, social workers, detention volunteers, and even a judge along the way. The eventual move into a new building improved the ambiance—as much as any jail-like facility can claim such atmosphere. Cookies and punch after the programs seemed to help a lot, too. Unlike most performances, at JDC we…

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As I wrote in my last post, that first Christmas program at the detention center was truly remarkable.  The following Monday the students were still immersed in the afterglow of their wonderful performance. Our school morning began by rehashing the great event. I, too, was still feeling the euphoria, and I was eager to let them know how proud I was of them. “I thought the whole program was perfect!” I told them. “At first I thought maybe I was…

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When I think back on the years I taught at detention, I’m always a bit surprised to realize how big a role music played. I never really planned it that way—it just sort of happened.  In the later years, we relied on CDs, a keyboard, YouTube and the whole internet to accompany us. During my first Christmas season at detention, however, we had only cassettes, vinyl records, and good old “a cappella.” Despite the limited technology available, we started singing…

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In celebration of a milestone birthday this week, I’ve spent a little time reflecting on the experiences I’ve had throughout my life.  What stands out most in my mind is how much I’ve evolved from the incredibly shy little girl who began this journey.  This became more apparent following a recent experience on the road. My 91-year-old father has dementia. Although he thinks he never has visitors, my siblings and I take turns visiting him every weekend.   A couple weekends…

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Wisdom—I like to believe I’ve gained a lot of it over the course of my life. I can certainly talk the talk, confident about how I should respond to the challenges I’m bound to face from time to time. “Remember to stay in the moment.” “Focus on breathing deeply.” “Say a prayer and then release it to God.” “Relax!” “Don’t waste your energy on worrying.” “Just walk through the experience.” Oh yes, I know all the right things to tell…

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Because of the constant turnover at juvenile detention, new students arrived often. One morning it was a tall, slender 16-year-old named Anthony.  He swaggered into the classroom with a “don’t-you-dare-mess-with-me” arrogance.  When I’d meet students like Anthony, I would try to cajole them into a better mood. I wanted them to let go of their defensive facades and to become one with the group. My efforts, however, weren’t always successful. I certainly made no progress that day with Anthony.  Maybe…

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