A Vow to the Children

to all the children within my care:

I promise to try my hardest

to talk the way I ask you to talk

to walk the way I ask you to walk

to share my heart and mind

I promise to try my hardest

to be aware of my fears and shadows

so they don’t spill over onto you

so you may be your wildest

so you may take up space

in whatever way you choose

And I promise

that when I sometimes fail

(because I am human, and not perfect)

conversations and apologies will be had

and I will listen to your wisdom

on how to heal the wrong

And I promise to try my hardest

to remember to play

to see the world with curious eyes

to fully inhabit the places we create

so we may feel deeply connected

Thank you:

for your wildness

your courage

your laughter

and your trust

Love, mama/tía