Dear Educators
Dear educators, teachers, and leaders of our youth,
In honor of teacher appreciation week - I would to like dedicate this to you.
Last week I went for one of my usual walks. Typically, I’m a music and podcast junkie when I hit the sidewalk - but on this day - within minutes, I took out my airpods and continued on. The bright colors, the new blooms, the fresh air. It was an overwhelming feeling of rebirth and new beginnings. Just like mother nature promises every year. This year though, it seems brighter to me than I remember in years past. Visually brighter, and I just wanted to take it all in. I suppose this is what appreciation does to us after challenging times.
As I continued to walk, I began approaching our 2 daughters school. Its landscape is just as beautiful and bright. Already spoiled with Lake Erie as its back drop, a beautiful park as its neighbor, and an inviting tree-scaped front yard. What’s not to love? There is a built in peace about this school that we’ve been blessed with. And the best part…. I don’t know one parent there that takes it for granted. Not one.
If you know me, you know this walking route is one where you can usually find me if I’m not at home. Some of you have even picked me up in the rain on these walks. Thank you, and I owe you!
I say that, because for the hundreds of times I’ve walked past this building. For the thousands of times I’ve gone into this building - what makes that building a school just felt different this time. It LOOKS different this time.
Within those walls and of those walls of every school - there are incredible warriors who are protecting and educating our most precious beings in our lives. Something you’ve always done. But this year, I think we can all agree - it was unique in its own way. A way we will never forget.
This past year, our collective life boat started to tip over. As parents, we watched you trying to save yourself, your family, and the hand of EVERY SINGLE CHILD under your care. With your two hands, you somehow extended them to every single one of us. Your mission was to get everyone back in the boat, and safely.
During the confusion, the fear, and the uncertainty, you showed up with every last ounce of energy and effort you had for your students. You came into our homes from your homes. You navigated new territory, you cheered, you sang, you tried new, and you tried different. You made time for ALL of us. I don’t know how. I literally don’t know how.
We would ask how you were doing, and with an exhausted look on your face, you would say “We’re moving along, and we’re ready to go!”
May I add, I don’t know where the music was coming from, but there was always music and dancing happening. We’ve seen you in more costumes than we’ve seen our kids dressed in past Halloweens!
Our children were safely guided and comforted under your watch, and quite frankly because it’s the only way you would have it. You rose up… and when this past fall came, you did it again. Because that’s just what you do. You keep the boat sailing. You calm the waves for our children.
So here’s to you warriors! Bravo. Thank you. Bless you. We love you. Our children love you. We appreciate you. You wear the capes, and we are forever grateful.
With that being said…. I invite you to hold your hands to your heart. To take a few deep breaths. To whisper to yourself “I did it….. and I did it with grace.”
Exhale. Please rest. You are one special group of beings. You are our teachers.
xoxo,
your forever grateful parents.