Just Checking In

 "Just checking in..." 

I would get those messages from my first college roommate every so often when my father was dying. He was in Illinois and I was in Prince Edward Island, unable to go because of Covid restrictions. Just a quick message to let me know she was thinking of me, and there if I needed her. It was all I needed, though I didn't understand how much at the time. 

Losing a parent is never easy, losing a parent while living thousands of miles away and unable to be there is indescribable. It's hard to imagine that the next time I go home, he won't be there. He will never be there again. So, I try not to think about that. I feel like my grief is on hold, though it pops in and out at really weird and unexpected times (like driving down the road on the way to work).

Luckily though, I have good people in my corner. I know I am loved by so many, and so many prop me up on those less than lovely days. I have people checking in on me. Now, it's my turn. One of my friends is going through the same thing, saying that long goodbye to their beloved father. So, this morning, I sent that message, "Just checking in..."

How about you? Anyone you could send that message? Three simple words that can mean the world to someone. Three simple words that give someone the time and space to talk, to sigh, to say thank you, to know that they have someone in their corner. Just three simple words that can change someone's life. 

Just checking in...

Don't You Just Love A Good Book?

The first three days of this week have been... days. You know the type- no one listens, there is always someone getting hit, or hitting, and only about 4 students actually want to be there. They were days that had me questioning every life decision I had ever made. And then today happened, and it almost made up for those other three days. Almost. Funny thing is (and it isn't so funny), my class knew this, too. They knew it wasn't very fun in KD on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It's almost like they got together after they left school Wednesday, and decided they were actually going to try to have a good day today. 

Today had some real highlights- we've started a new routine of "outdoor learning" on 2 two days of our six day cycle, and we found the perfect spot on our school campus to do it; we found out a big project we are excited to do was given the green light; we had some awesome play this morning, and even took some time in the middle of our Writers Playshop to get up and dance (because when the song Heave Away comes on the playlist, what else can you do?).

Today was night and day compared to the rest of the week. At the end of the day, I found myself with about five extra minutes, so I grabbed a Leo Lionni book to read. 

I love Leo Lionni books. They always have a message, though we may not always understand it, and the books always produce some excellent conversations. Today we read: It's Mine. It is the story of three frogs who live on an island who argue, fight, and quarrel. There is a toad who comes over from the other side of the island to tell them to settle down- of course they don't listen... Then, one day, a storm comes up and the island is flooded. The frogs must all work together to survive, and, in doing so, they learn a lesson. 

Whenever I read a Leo Lionni book, I try to leave the discussion to the students. I don't like to add my

own thoughts because the books produce such deep conversations on their own. 

I read the book, then I put it down, ready for the end of the day routine. Before I could start that though, many of my students decided they had some words to say. And they all said some of the same things, "Those frogs sounded a lot like our class!" I had to agree, of course, because they did! From the quarrelling and fighting to finally working together. 

I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring. With this class, it's anyone's guess. This much I do know- I will leave the book "It's Mine" out someplace where they will see it. It will be a quiet reminder to them that even though we may quarrel and fight, we do have our moments of cooperation and togetherness too. 

Don't you just love a good book?