Fractions

Amidst the turmoil accompanying our family’s disruption due to Mary’s separation and subsequent divorce, I had longed for the opportunity to help my children with their homework and school responsibilities. Such had been rendered impossible when they’d been relocated to Yuma, Arizona against my desires. Such absence tore at my heartstrings and unbeknownst to them; I traveled to Yuma once to observe them whilst at play during recess at their elementary school – Ronald Reagan Elementary School. There, clinging to the schoolyard fence betwixt two trees; I awaited their release for recess. Innocent in my understanding, I assumed there’d be no aversion to my seeking to observe my own children at play. However, as I observed the schoolyard begin to fill with children; I searched each child from afar to ascertain whether or not I could discern my own beloved offspring.

Following a frantic search to recognize my children; I was finally able to view Paul and Bret from afar, outside the confinement of their fenced playground. Unfortunately, an adult playground supervisor approached me and queried as to my purpose being present. I explained to the woman that I was the divorced father of several of their students and simply desired to observe them at play. From her demeanor and tone, I believe she empathized with my circumstance and desire. Nevertheless, her responsibilities superseded any heartfelt empathies and she informed me that I’d have to leave the premises! I mildly protested her directive inasmuch as my intent was pure and that I was beyond the protective schoolyard fence (I was talking to her through the fence.) 

She reiterated her directive to me and not wanting to create a ‘scene’ where my children might be embarrassed; I withdrew to my nearby parked car. Reflecting upon an elementary school’s responsibility of protecting their young students from ‘ne’er-do-wells’ and interfering divorcees, I understood the playground supervisor’s intervention of my desire to observe my children. It was then that I recognized (despite my pure intent) that I was now lumped amongst those that could not be fully trusted to interact with their own offspring! I certainly resented being so lumped and recognized more fully the extent to which Mary had exercised her agency to permanently insinuate herself in my God given right to parent my own children – as their righteous Father! Such an intrusion exceeded a Mother’s right and would be forever remembered in the Eternities!

Later, as Michael sought out and obtained the opportunity to reside with me in Ontario, California; I was re-afforded the opportunity to oversee his growth and schooling responsibilities. Upon relocating to our new home on Moose Creek Lane; we settled into a routine. It was amidst that routine that I experienced one of my treasured moments with my eldest son. Michael was a good son and studious as he engaged his junior year at Ontario High School. I believe he attended early morning Seminary at the nearby Stake Center on Francis Street and I took him there prior to school or he’d obtain a ride with fellow participants.

One afternoon as Michael was engaged in performing his homework; I observed that he seemed to display a mild measure of frustration. Not wanting to ‘helicopter’ parent yet wanting to display my desire to help; I queried as to what he was so frustrated with. He explained (somewhat reluctantly) that he was having difficulty deciphering how to address fractions and manipulate them via their established rules! Inasmuch as I’d spent a majority of my undergraduate degree as a Math Major and certainly could assist with his dilemma; I offered my assistance. To this he agreed and we sat at our kitchen ‘bar’ wrestling together with his frustration. As Michael astutely explained his anxiety with mathematics; it became readily apparent that somehow a ‘hole’ in his understanding had taken place and that the ‘hole’ seemed to be centered around an understanding fractions – their meaning, manipulation and application.

I quickly ascertained that I needed to help Michael, not only with his immediate need to fulfill an assignment; but I needed to help him understand fractions in order to fill the ‘hole’ in his mathematical development. I recognized from my own experience that a ‘hole’ of understanding grew wider, deeper and more influential as an individual develops their repertoire of mathematical understanding. I dared not ignore Michael’s need to fill the ‘hole’ that had been permitted to develop.

Therefore, I commenced with the rudiments of fractions by clarifying numerator and denominators. Michael readily grasped the concepts. Then we ventured on to explain rudimentary arithmetic as it applies to fractions. Addition and subtraction revealed little need. Then we ventured toward multiplication. My pupil revealed slight difficulty; but was readily rectified. Lastly two arenas displayed Michael’s frustration and anxieties. The division of fractions stretched Michael’s understanding; but by simply offering means whereby he could understand the concept, he was able to grasp the concept. Finally, Michael’s greatest difficulty was in developing the greatest common denominator whereby he’d be able to achieve (more readily) the aforementioned mathematical manipulations. We spent perhaps 20 minutes of our entire hour or so exploring the elements of fractions.

As we completed our time together; I was confident Michael had ‘filled’ his prior mathematical void with needed understanding. Such an achievement was deeply rewarding to me in that I’d been permitted to fortify Michael’s educational life by filling a ‘hole’ that’d been permitted to fester. I’d been permitted to offer my son understanding that somehow the educational system had overlooked Michael’s need. Though unable to assist my other children; I had at least been permitted to help when needed!