I don't know if it was that next morning or later on in the year, but I remember my mother asking me about that assignment. My teacher had called her (this wasn't the first time I had mixed up these words) and was concerned.
"They're worried that you don't know how to use these words, Cassandra. They may have to keep you back if you don't show them you can."
By no fault of my mother, good natured, well-intentioned and supportive (oh and she knew dang well her daughter knew the difference between those words), I felt forced to follow the structure and buried my inner knowing of something deeper inside. I didn't want to disappoint.
Over the years, I've worked hard to reconnect. Feather by feather, I'm regenerating my wings. But what if this journey didn't have to be that way? What if, by giving space, and seeking to understand the why behind the actions that don't match up to the "proper structure" of things, we let children KEEP their wings.
And better than that, what if through understanding and guidance, it's possible for them to FLY instead? To fly and still be in perfect harmony with pre-existing notions of structure. To fly, and still be safe.
Whether you're on the path of regeneration, still feel clipped, or have the little one(s) walking around still connected, I see you. I promise you that you can find your path to feel whole and connected again. And it's never too late to start.