Many years ago I was working with a small group of second grade students. At some point during the lesson I looked at one of the students and noticed he was crying. I asked what was wrong and he told me simply "My eyes are leaking." I'm not sure if I ever found out what was bothering the young boy. Maybe something happened at home before he came to school. Maybe I spoke harshly to him. Maybe one of his classmates hurt his feelings or he hurt someone else's feelings. I do know he didn't want to admit he was crying and that he was obviously experiencing some type of loss, grief, pain, or even regret.

Like all people, I have suffered a number of loses during my lifetime such as the deaths of my father, mother, sister, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. Other devastating losses include the day my son left for college and when he moved over a thousand miles away to start his career in Texas. I know these losses were painful because I would miss the people I loved most in the world. But what hurt even more was the sense of regret I felt. To this day I regret saying things I shouldn't have said, not saying things I should have said, not being supportive enough, or just about any type of pain I may have caused another human being.

During the past several days I experienced another type of loss. A friend and co-worker I have enjoyed working with for the past five years requested a transfer to a different school. Even though she explained the reasons for her decision to move, I am devastated by the sense of loss and I'm riddled with regrets. This morning while sitting in Church I reflected on this and other losses I have suffered during my life and my eyes began to "leak." Like that young student I didn't want to admit I was crying or explain to anyone why I was grieving so I left the Church service early to avoid having to talk to anyone.

This may not be the best forum but it's a start - I would like to admit that I regret any pain I may have caused you. That is why "My eyes are leaking."