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Microglia… it’s ok if you wish to take a moment and look up how to say this word. I did. It helps (I think) if you know there are both micro and macro GLIAL CELLS in the brain. Just say “micro” and then “glia” and there you have it. The correct pronunciation of (possibly) one of the most important words of the 21st century.

I know extremely little of microglia. Watching YouTube videos this week clearly exposed my ignorance. Unfortunately however, even though I am ignorant, this fact is not enough to stop me from making an hypothesis. “If a child with whom I work does not trust me, does not ‘believe 100%’ that I am on their side and want ONLY what is best for them, I am fighting a war within that child’s brain against microglia. This is a war I will NOT win! EVER!”

Microglia are most basically the white blood cells and T-cells of the brain. They are responsible for keeping the brain healthy. They also play a critical role in the development and maintenance of neural pathways in the brain. Maybe more importantly, they are also responsible for the “disposal” of synaptic connections and neural pathways the brain deems unnecessary. Unfortunately, it is not so uncommon for microglia to “malfunction.” Microglia are now being studied in connection to Alzhiemer’s and dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

As of now, no one really knows how microglia receive their “directions.” How do they “prune” some neural pathways for healthy development and “eat up and dispose of” other neural pathways? I do not know. I do know this, however. If I am perceived as “a threat, a danger, or as something harmful” at the most basic level of another’s brain, there is NO CHANCE of creating a connection. Without connections, we all die. Without a connection, it is also IMPOSSIBLE for me to help another, no matter my intentions or what I do or how smart I THINK I am.

“I am not your enemy” is an easy thing to write, but to “prove” it is SO MUCH more complicated than I ever imagined. Microglia are “watching and sensing” everything. A few weeks ago, a young first grader was having difficulty in school. I thought I knew the “answer.” I was very, very wrong! I did not prove to this young man that I was on his side. I was “a threat, a danger… at that moment I was his enemy” in every way. This story of how I failed this young boy is Part 2, and is easily one of the most important stories I will ever write. Thank you for reading these words.