You wrote about Layla so beautifully, Michael. I am always intrigued by how writers write about others — what they see in them, how they make their essence come alive on the page. This essay was a wonderful example of that.
You also made me think about some of the teachers who taught me in high school. It’s a terribly ignorant and naive thing to have done but at that age I never considered how my behaviour impacted them, they were just the teacher and I was the wayward student. But reading about how Layla lifted you up with her rapt focus and attention helped me see my teachers, and even the teacher-student dynamic in a different light. :)
Thanks Michael. These pieces are super fun to write. And it’s okay to have not thought about your approach toward teachers then—you weren’t far enough along to see that added layer. You are now, which is all that matters.
By the way, I shared “Meeting God in an Aussie Shed” with a friend this week. He was very complimentary (of course). We had been talking about reality, and it blew me away how much of what he said sounded eerily like you did. Thank you again for putting it into the world!
There are so many things I didn’t think of back then, it kinda makes me sad. Glad to be feeling, seeing, and thinking a bit deeper these days — still a long way to go, though, I suspect.
Thanks Michael. I’m thrilled your friend liked the piece. And I’m flattered you thought to share it. I really appreciate it :)
This is such a gift on this Sunday morning. You say Layla is one of your role models and that you try to emulate her way of being, and that is clear to anyone who observes you on a daily basis. Just know that you are other people’s Layla! The number of current and former students who appreciate your time, dedication and thoughtfulness is beyond calculation. Just as Layla has given you hope when the world feels dark, you too have been the dawn for others who felt lost. The fact that you choose to seek happy memories when everything else feels suffocatingly dreary is both inspirational and the greatest honor you can pay those people you call role models, like Layla. Just like Layla who always chose to give her all everyday, you chose to push through darkness to look for light—and you will always find it when you seek it. Hope this week is better than last!
You wrote about Layla so beautifully, Michael. I am always intrigued by how writers write about others — what they see in them, how they make their essence come alive on the page. This essay was a wonderful example of that.
You also made me think about some of the teachers who taught me in high school. It’s a terribly ignorant and naive thing to have done but at that age I never considered how my behaviour impacted them, they were just the teacher and I was the wayward student. But reading about how Layla lifted you up with her rapt focus and attention helped me see my teachers, and even the teacher-student dynamic in a different light. :)
Thanks Michael. These pieces are super fun to write. And it’s okay to have not thought about your approach toward teachers then—you weren’t far enough along to see that added layer. You are now, which is all that matters.
By the way, I shared “Meeting God in an Aussie Shed” with a friend this week. He was very complimentary (of course). We had been talking about reality, and it blew me away how much of what he said sounded eerily like you did. Thank you again for putting it into the world!
There are so many things I didn’t think of back then, it kinda makes me sad. Glad to be feeling, seeing, and thinking a bit deeper these days — still a long way to go, though, I suspect.
Thanks Michael. I’m thrilled your friend liked the piece. And I’m flattered you thought to share it. I really appreciate it :)
This is such a gift on this Sunday morning. You say Layla is one of your role models and that you try to emulate her way of being, and that is clear to anyone who observes you on a daily basis. Just know that you are other people’s Layla! The number of current and former students who appreciate your time, dedication and thoughtfulness is beyond calculation. Just as Layla has given you hope when the world feels dark, you too have been the dawn for others who felt lost. The fact that you choose to seek happy memories when everything else feels suffocatingly dreary is both inspirational and the greatest honor you can pay those people you call role models, like Layla. Just like Layla who always chose to give her all everyday, you chose to push through darkness to look for light—and you will always find it when you seek it. Hope this week is better than last!
I appreciate this sentiment. Thanks R’lyeh.