Fast Car

I have always loved this song.  It brings back so many memories of being younger.  I think it was one of the first songs that I actually appreciated lyrically and musically.  Today it took on a new meaning.  I was at McDonalds with a friend and our kids.  We were chatting away while the boys played and the girls sat in our laps.  Then I spotted one of my former Junior High students.  I have taught many at risk students and this particular girl was one of the most at risk.  She was dealt all the "rough cards" in life.  She became pregnant shortly after I had Owen, making her a 15-year-old mommy.  When I saw her, I am ashamed to say, that I initially avoided her.  She was dressed quite inappropriately, and her language wasn't much better.  She had three children, all hers.  We were at similar stages in life in regards to child rearing, but her life had not gotten any easier.  I could tell she was struggling.  So, why didn't I go to her and talk?  Why didn't I ask her about her children?  I tried to catch her attention once or twice, but she didn't seem to recognize me.  All of my former students remember me.  It was Junior High, you remember those teachers, you remember all teachers!  Maybe she didn't want to talk.  Maybe she really didn't remember me, but I do wish I could go back and talk to her.  I wish I could go back and not worry about how awkward the conversation might have been or how difficult it would have been to manage my kids and hers without a melt down.  I wish I could go back and offer her friendship, from one mommy to another.

On the way home, I heard this song and each word traced back to this student. 

"You got a fast car

I want a ticket to anywhere

Maybe we make a deal

Maybe together we can get somewhere

Anyplace is better

Starting from zero got nothing to lose

Maybe we'll make something

But me myself I got nothing to prove

You got a fast car

But is it fast enough so you can fly away

You gotta make a decision

You leave tonight or live and die this way"

I prayed for you last night dear student.  I prayed for your babies.  I prayed for your precious mommy heart.  I pray that the Lord will let our paths cross again and this time I will step up and let you know that I love you.