“What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering and I responded… sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.”
George Saunders
How true this is for me.
My biggest regret was a lack of courage to be kind.
It happened when I was a teacher, and for the graduation ceremony at the end of the year I had to select a student for an award. Two students were outstanding, and I submitted both of their names, my submission was rejected by the miserly, miserable excuse for a principal. He insisted I choose only one student. I caved in. I did that. And for the rest of my life the look of deep disappointment on the other child’s face will be with me. It is my shame that I did not stand up for her right to be acknowledged along with her peer. I was only 21 years old, and now I am old, and I still feel the pangs of sadness for the student I let down.
I can only hope she went on the have an amazingly happy life!!!!
That is not my only regret of the failure of kindness, but it was the first of my adult life, and it cut very deep.
Worldly
Weather
Updated on Mon, Jul 10 at 4:05 PM
27 °C
FEELS LIKE 29
Mostly cloudy
Wind 13 NW km/h
Humidity 36 %
Visibility 49 km
Sunrise 5:33 AM
Wind gust 20 km/h
Pressure 100.9 kPa Ceiling
7600 m
Sunset 8:52 PM
Quote
“To regret deeply is to live afresh.”
Henry David Thoreau
1817 – 1862
Perhaps there’s some way of researching the web to learn more about those two students?
If thy had somewhat unique last names you could try searching Intelius.com. But if they married it’s more difficult to find them.
Joan, it was so long ago, my records of the student name is long gone, decades and decades gone, and I’ve no memory of any details but their face and talents. Reaching out may or may not be what is best for them, although it would ease my mind. It doesn’t seem feasible, unfortunately.
Sandy, I wish I could remember their name, and I’ve no records, the records were confidential and stayed with the school and the school was torn down about ten years ago. Good ideas.
Years ago there was a time that I regretted you and I never became real friends. I thought we’d do well with that but it wasn’t to be. But we have virtually ‘hung out’ for an amazing number of years, now. I’m not sure how many. Ten? Fifteen? I’ll have to look some day.
Teri, we have been “hanging out” for many, many years, always glad to see you here! I read your blog too!