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by Beth Houf
In just a couple short weeks 2019 is coming to an end. A semester comes to a close and we begin a new year. In a blink.
I found news out last weekend that literally took my breath away. Another student taken too soon in a tragic accident. In a blink.
This was number five. Five lives that had impacted me and so many deeply. Five lives that had so much potential to change the world. Five families that will never be the same. Each time this happens, I think just maybe, somehow, it will be just a little bit easier to handle the pain. The staggering grief that hits in waves. But I’ve found it to be just the opposite. Each young life that ends too soon just gets harder. Each death opens those old wounds, those old what could-have-beens, the memories. In a blink.
Every time I go through this as an educator it reminds me that each moment isn’t promised. How can we go about making memories and creating positive interactions with students? How can we have high expectations in a way that our students know how much we care about their success? How can we be sure that the words and the actions that we choose are ones that showcase respect, love, care? How can we ensure that when we mess up, we apologize? Because we never, ever know when that goodbye becomes the last goodbye. In a blink.
Most of us are heading into winter break today. I hope that you each get the chance to recharge and rest. I hope you get the chance to spend more time with those that bring you joy. I hope you make memories that last a lifetime and laugh often. I hope you can catch your breath a little ready to go into 2020 with a clean slate, a positive mind, and goals that excite you. We can’t be our best for those we serve in our buildings when we do not make wellness a priority. We think that we have all the time in the world to do “all the things.” Tomorrow is not promised, chances aren’t guaranteed and regret is a burden no one needs to bear. Life is too short and everything can change. In a blink.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog for this week. Know that your PLN is here for you for both the celebrations and hard times. Reach out through the hashtag or through direct message to Shelley or Beth. Our jobs are educators we feel are the best in the world, but can come with overwhelming challenges and stress. We are better together.