My sisters and I recently returned from a summer trip to New Orleans. We had a whirlwind adventure full of the best food, amazing sights, and the biggest belly laughs, laughing so hard it actually hurts your stomach. The type of laughing during which you beg, “Stop, no really stop, my stomach!” all while doubled over and trying to catch your breath. So much of the trip lingers in me, but there is one experience my mind returns to again and again.
People were so friendly in New Orleans, abundantly happy. One afternoon, however, we were surprised at a gelato place recommended to us by the helpful and kind waitress who had waited on us the night prior. She claimed they had the BEST gelato anywhere. So there we were, the next day, standing at the counter of the famed gelato shop when we noticed the cashier seemed lost in thought, staring off as we waited to tell her which flavors we were hoping to try. Suddenly, as if coming out of a trance, she said quietly, “I’m just going through it right now.” No forced smile. No feigned happiness. No apologies. So taken aback by this quiet confession, we simply nodded sympathetically and waited for her to be ready. I think my sister may have asked, “Is there any way we can help?” To which, she just shook her head and asked, “What can I get for you?” As we left, we told her we hoped things got better. A scene played out like this again at the airport in New Orleans. The woman working in the food court was overwhelmed because they had no large-sized cups or containers for their pretzel bites; shipments had never come in with paper products. Exasperated, she looked at us and said those words, “I’m going through it right now.” We were getting use to this way of being, and we simply gave her a knowing nod. Yep, we’re all “going through it right now.”
As an English teacher, I find myself wondering about the missing antecedent in the remark, “I’m going through it right now.” What is the “it?” I let that roll around in my mind and decide that the “it” refers to the universal hardships which are generally part of the human experience. I like what that might imply. The implication is that we all struggle with problems, big and small. Struggling is part of the human experience, not simply a result of your poor choices, rushed decisions, or bad luck. I might have to tell my students the story about how I went to New Orleans and met people just like them. People who are just like all of us. People who were going through it.
moreteachingmoments 