Mixed Emotions

"Don't it always seem to go,
You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".

Do you remember my "Bittersweet" post and the thoughts from my "Now and Not Yet" ponderings? Well, just a couple of days ago my heart has felt that similar severing again. Hearing some news on Wednesday evening has divided my emotions, calling me to travel two diverging paths at the same time.

When I arrived home from work just three nights ago, my son greeted me at the door with, "Mom, I've got some very sad news." Well, I perceived immediately it wasn't 'sad' as in the loss of a life, but it was disappointing.

I asked, "Is it school news?"
"Yes"
"Is it teacher news?"
"Yes"
I knew instantly.
"Mr. K. is leaving".
I received a confirming nod.

Mr. K. is the amazing music teacher my son has had the privilege of training under since entering High School. Having a mutual friend, Mr. K. knew of my son long before the two of them ever met face to face. From day one it has been the pairing of two completely music minded souls. My son desiring to one day become "Mr. K." and follow in his footsteps in Music Education, and Mr. K. wishing that some day his two young boys would grow up to be like my son. There has been a wonderful friendship formed, while still maintaining a teacher student respect.

It is this same man I wrote about in my "Footloose" post below. The one who encouraged my son on the opening night of their performance, that all music is for the glory of God. Just earlier this week, my son needed a recommendation from two teachers to apply for a leadership course his guidance counselor strongly felt he should take next year and Mr. K. wrote the following about my son: "Amazing Guy! Fantastic and brilliant student! Could be the best we've had!" Do you see why it's so hard to see this teacher leave?

Feelings arising are similar to my reaction while viewing "Goodbye Mr. Chips" (a VERY old movie) and "Mr. Holland's Opus" (about a music teacher retiring). This gentleman gives his all, freely sacrificing his time, hours upon hours upon hours, to impart in students a passion for music. Just last week one of the bands my son plays in received a Gold Medal and a Scholarship for their outstanding performance. The adjudicator said that at one point during their performance he had to put his pen down and just listen as he was so overcome with emotion while their band played. In the two weeks that this man had been judging bands he said he had not heard anything close to the calibre of these students. A testimony and tribute to a dedicated music teacher.

Although our hearts are already feeling the loss, we are so happy for Mr. K. He has received a huge promotion. He is going from being a High School music teacher, in charge of the Arts Program at one High School, to becoming Head of all Arts Departments in our District School Board. No one is more deserving. No one could be better equipped. No one will be missed more.

So, through our disappointment, we know we must release this amazing educator to bigger and better things. Our joy for his achievement is mixed with the empty ache of the loss of a talented teacher, a model musician, a commanding conductor, a marvelous mentor, a respected role-model, who will remain a forever friend.

We will continue to pray for Mr. K. and we thank the Lord for the impact he has made on our son's life over the past two years. It has been a pleasure and privilege to know him. The Lord has used him greatly in shaping our son and giving Chris future direction and we, as parents, are forever greatful.