Day 8. March 23, 2020
I pretended today, Monday, was part of a long weekend. I had a very relaxing weekend and I wanted that feeling of “it’s just a weekend” to continue.
I did post information for my students–since it’s not required, hardly any participation. But I am a big believer that we do what we do for the few. The few who are logging in or can log in are trying to do this online learning thing.
I did participate in Kelly Gallagher and Penny Kittle’s Day 6 online Professional Development. I shared my thinking with other educators and one educator responded to what I had expressed, and she made me realize what I had missed in my own words but she echoed them back to me, and it really hit me that this time, right now, is when the students start showing tremendous growth, and well, this whole shut down is a tremendous loss.
My mother-in-law had shared this poem by Kitty O’Meara via e-mail. Maybe you have heard of it already since it’s gone viral (excuse the word)? It’s terrific and I could post it here and give her credit like many have already done. But most may not look any further after they land on the page with that poem; therefore, I would rather people go directly to her website and check out her other writings if they wish. And if you just want to read the poem and it’s reach, here is the link about Kitty O’ Meara ‘s poem.
Author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald sent an email to all of us who attended the ULWS in Doolin, Ireland in November 2018 and December 2019 just to see how we were doing. A talented writer, indeed, but she has a heart of a teacher. Physician and writer, Pat Harrold, replied with the following. So like him to just reply with a poem! Sharing here with permission.
Dear Dooliners,
just a note from the trenches.
Still alive and fielding phone calls all day long. I have learned several things :Talking is tiring.
I actually miss seeing patients.
Most people are heroes. Especially those who have lived a while.
A constant news feed wrecks your serenity
Laughter is very important. So are fresh air, chocolate, wine and movies.
When this is all over we should remember it, and give thanks for our many blessings.
Some people are really silly, but they are the ones who give you the best stories.
You realize how fond you are of your wee flock when they are threatened.
I can be a right sarcastic so and so on the phone. Especially when tired, subject to a news feed, craving fresh air etc. and I have enough stories to get along with.
As one George Potter commented on Anne O’ Leary’s blog, “sharing an odd ode is more fun than trying to influence the universe.”
