The House that Opportunity Built

I once taught in a school that was not designed by educators.  The rooms were triangular in shape and had no doors and some, no windows.  I think the architects won an award in the 70's for the design.  They didn't have to teach there.  About the only thing a triangular room is good for is teaching about Jamestown forts.  Otherwise, it is a poor use of educational space.  On the flip side, the students had to be creative to plan the room...thinking angular instead of linear, round tables instead of rectangular desks and how to organize their learning based on a space.

I had my home inspection today for my new house.  I love the way the house looks from the street and I am learning to love the layout of the rooms.  Each time I visit, I am drawn to the way the house is designed around a family.  Since the house is empty right now, I was able to stand in each room and imagine a little one over time moving about the house.  

Yelling up the stairs to get one another's attention, as my siblings, my parents and I did, is unlikely in this house.  In my mind's eye I saw a space open and flowing with movement and conversation~voices carrying softly from one room to another by invitation rather than invasion.  An empty room became a nursery, and another a place to read, tell stories and take a catnap.  I tasted late night ice cream sitting at the bay window in the kitchen; and pictured elaborate projects of glitter, yarn and sticky white glue created in the rec room.  I heard music from the un-tuned piano left behind by the last family; and felt the heat from the sun setting in the west warming an entire room.  When my eyes opened, I was no longer standing in an empty house; I was in my home surrounded by memories yet to be created.  

Then I thought I heard thunder. 

The inspector reported to me he found a small crack in the foundation.  He said it was probably from neglect and the overgrowth of the English ivy along side the house.  Something I'd have to repair, or better yet, should have the sellers repair.   This house-my future home-had a weakness, a potential deal breaker, a fracture in the foundation. 
 
Today I was reminded of two lessons.  First, what looks without fault on the outside can be broken on the inside.  And, second, that which is weak and splintered can be repaired and restored to be stronger than its original state.  A solid foundation from the start prevents the invasive to penetrate.  Being proactive rather than reactive, communicating rather than yelling, hugging rather than hitting creates a fortress of safety and risk taking and trust.  

Triangular classrooms taught my students to think.  This new house is teaching me to think how I want to communicate with my child and how to build a solid foundation.  Cracks along the way are a certainty; hopefully the repairs will be just as strong.