It's been a couple of weeks since my last post. Like so many of you, being caught up in the festivities that come along with the holiday season kept me on my toes and feeling like I didn't have enough time to fit everything in. Yet, it was actually quite a different, tragic event that - again, I know like many of you - stopped me in my tracks. My last post for 2012, though it had only taken me a second to publish, was the most difficult piece I have blogged thus far. My moment of silence post for the families of Sandy Hook Elementary was what I published the morning of our son's 6th birthday. At the same time that so many families were in unimaginable pain and our nation was brought to its knees in grief, my own newly-turned 6 year old was up early and running and laughing...just filled with joy at the idea of simply being 6. As a teacher, I was frightened and heartbroken. As a parent...this poignant contrast of emotion was almost too much to bear. The only thing I felt I could really do was to focus on and, in a way, lose myself in my love for my family. I have to say, selfishly, I was so relieved to have Christmas Break come when it did. It was a week and half of solid family time that I so desperately needed.
In struggling to gain some perspective, I've read many blog posts (perhaps written by some of you) that have helped. In gleaning what I could from bloggers that so articulately and beautifully conveyed what I was feeling - the sadness, the confusion...and the desire to somehow, in our own individual ways, ensure that the lives that were lost will be honored, the take-away for me is this: make the most of every moment. We should be giving every effort put forth our all and making the time that we have count for something. Every chance we get, we should be creating memories. I'm realizing that this is not only what I need to do for myself, but as our everyday lives are returning to "post-holiday normal," keeping this in mind as I go through the day can only encourage those around me to do the same. As a spouse, as a parent, as a teacher...I can't think of a better way to ensure that the people in our lives know that they are loved.
And so, as I write this post - my first post of 2013 - I am focusing on new beginnings. Perhaps fitting, today is also a new beginning for the families of Sandy Hook Elementary. Children are returning to school, a new school, for the first time today and I am holding each of them in my thoughts and prayers. I'm thinking of the staff and hoping that they find the strength and courage needed to get through the days and weeks to come - as well as the comfort in knowing that they are needed and loved by every child that walks through the doors of their new school. I'm thinking of the families for whom today - I imagine like every other day - holds yet another reminder of unimaginable loss, and pray that this new phase of their personal journeys can help to heal their hearts.
I'm also thinking of you, my readers. I'm so thankful that you take the time out of your day to stop by my little blog. I look forward to learning even more from the teacher-blogger community and sharing what I learn. I'm so eager to share more ideas and create more materials that will be helpful to you and your students. I'm striving this year to really make this blog a place where you can come to find a little inspiration, especially during these challenging times in education. I hope that this year provides each of you with opportunities to learn new things, create memories and encourage others as well. It's what teaching is all about!
Much love,
It certainly was a horrible day that us educators will never forget. I also have a five year old so I understand your "close to home" feelings.
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