For most of us, this is an unprecedented time of our lives. We have never had to experience something that's hit so close to home. And yet, at the same time, there is still so much to be thankful for during this time. We still have food, resources (albeit some fields are experiencing a shortage) and shelter. Overall, we still have 98% of the things that we need in order to survive and thrive. Businesses and communities are coming together to bring supplies, awareness and positive outreach through to families and individuals around the United States. I'll be honest, my own feelings come and go through a multitude of different emotions. I feel like I'm stuck in the Disney movie Inside Out, where all the emotions are going haywire. I'm sure many of you can relate to this as well. I keep thinking about the present and the future and where life will go from here. All the plans we have for this school year, the summer etc. are all suddenly no longer "plans" but have becomes hopes and dreams. I want to believe that this will be extinguished and no more will get sick or lose their lives. This is real, and it's happening to everyone, without discrimination or prejudice. Part of the new reality I'm experiencing hit me hard last week. I had to go in and feed my fish in my classroom, and I was stuck seeing the empty hallway, and empty classrooms. No laughter, or little voices. No teachers reminding them to walk and not run, or get to class. No backpacks hung on hooks, or lunchboxes strewn on the floor. It hit me all of a sudden by the unknown of the future and how little control I have over life right now. I know we all have different challenges we are facing, with new obstacles, and fears, but I hope that through it all we remember to be kind, caring, empathetic and patient towards one another. To walk with grace during this time. We all have different struggles we are facing, whether you or your significant other are on the front lines, and wondering if/when you will bring the sickness to you or someone you love. To wonder what is going to happen financially, or worry about your friends and family around the world. This is so much bigger than you or I and it's not something that has an end in sight. I think that piece is the most daunting to me, what does the future hold? How does this shape ourselves, our families, our children? How do your children see this? Do they even understand this? Should they even understand it? I am privileged to be a teacher. In a time where so many others face solitude, I am still able to connect and build my relationship with my students, albeit it looks a little differently than in a typical classroom. I have the honor to be a part of something bigger than me, to be able to still feel a shred of normalcy in a world of chaos. I am a piece of a bigger picture and I'm humbled by the incredible humans that have stepped up and shared their love and light around the world. Every day I read/see something about someone doing something above and beyond, showering generosity, spreading kindness, giving the gift of laughter. It is humbling to be an educator in this time where literally EVERY.SINGLE.EDUCATOR is stepping up and being there for their students in creative and innovative ways. I see teachers and staff doing parades around neighborhoods, dropping off supplies/resources, video/teleconferencing with their classes. CARING about kids is the number one focus of any great educator, sure we want to teach, but relationships are the foundation for EVERYTHING. With that being said, it's a balance between educators and families. Shout outs to all the parents at home, doing what they can to support their children in learning and to be graceful with whatever that co-relationship process looks like between families and teachers. I see you, I hear you and I'm so proud of what you give. Keep supporting and praying for the world, we are all in this together.
Great message 🥰