You ever have one of those days? You know, one of THOSE days? It’s been pretty unsettling around here recently. I’m certain everyone to some degree is having one of THOSE days.
Cabin fever is in full tilt and every evening I’m greeted to the chorus of silence. What I’ve come to understand is my kids expect me home by a certain time and as long as I meet check in we’re good. That was then. Things are much different now. We’re juggling meals to kids who need them, wondering when we’re good to go, and what all this means. We’re watching church via livestream and shopping multiple grocery stores to get all the items on our list.
I was corresponding with a former supervisor last night and she reminded me of what this work meant to me. I started in public ed to be a voice for those that need it and now it seems we all need to be advocating for one another. So full disclosure, I’m tired. I’m tired as I write this and I grow more tired when I think about the work that lies ahead. And then I remember what’s at stake.
My family was together yesterday when news broke about Kenny Rogers. My wife and I started belting out the tracks and my oldest was like “Who?” and “you mean Mr. Rogers?” And we’re like NO, the Gambler! We made our younger son cue up the karaoke and both boys suffered through track after track…
And then last night the toilet overflowed which was pretty symbolic I must say. We raced to shut off the water and contain the damage as the ceiling in our kitchen started to sag (it sits right below the upstairs bathroom).
When I got up this morning for whatever reason I thought about Walt Whitman but not for “O Captain! My Captain!” which was popularized in more contemporary media through Dead Poets Society. I had New York on my mind and remembered the longer poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” Whitman free-versed through a tale of commuters before the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 and their daily travels on a ferry running between Brooklyn and Manhattan. It’s a story about the shared human experience that connects us all throughout generations and the rituals that endure. That, collectively, we are all a part of a larger family; he writes about a sense of unity. And he delivers a message on hope…
“Be firm, rail over the river, to support those who lean.”
What if? Why Not? 
Hilarious!!!!
What a night! 🙄
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Well, I guess you have to “know when to hold it, know when to flush it, know when to walk away!”
Another great blog my friend. You guys at the MISD are truly rock stars. You guys remain in our thoughts and prayers and know that I have some extra time on my hands, so please do not hesitate to let me know if I can help in any way.
There’s a line from a book I read from time to time that goes like this…
(paraphrase) “…you were made for such a time as this.” Keep serving with passion, our students and our teachers deserve nothing less.
Looking forward to your next blog submission.
Until next time..stay strong…this is no time for you to be “The Coward of the County!”
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