A new day...

I spent the majority of my weekend glued to the television watching the horrific events unfold.  I shed so many tears and had my heart broken again and again.  I can’t even begin to put into words the amount of pain and grief I feel for Newtown and those innocent little babies.  I tossed and turned all night last night thinking about how I would get through the day today.  I had such a heavy heart and couldn’t even make the short ten minute commute to school without breaking down into tears again.  I went to the staff meeting where we discussed what we should/should not say to the kids and I cried even harder.  I kept thinking to myself, How will I ever make it through this day? 

When the bell rang and the kids starting filing in, it suddenly hit me: I need to put a big smile on my face and hug my students, my children.  I need to teach them, guide them, and make them feel happy, safe, and loved.  I tell my class all the time that they are my second family; Mr. Weber and Keaton are my first family, but they are my second family.  I always tell them that I love them, care about them, and respect them as individuals, but today was the day to really show it.  We had such an amazing day.  We didn’t discuss the events that happened on Friday; instead we focused on all the positives that were happening today.  We were all a little kinder, a little more patient, a little more compassionate, a little more tolerant, and a little more understanding of one another.  We laughed, we sang, we hugged, we learned, and we had fun.  I went to school today with a heavy heart and left with an overwhelming feeling of joy.  My heart is full of happiness as I think about being a teacher:  I love my kids, my school, our community, and everything else that comes with it.  I am so grateful to have a job that feels more like a hobby than anything else.  I truly love what I do and I’m so thankful that I am lucky enough to do it.    

On a lighter note, the kids do not have a homework assignment sheet this week.  Instead, I told them that their homework is to find ways to help out around the house.  I know how busy things can get around the holidays and I want to help make your week as stress-free as possible.  The kiddos are prepared to scrub floors, take out the garbage, wash dishes, anything you need.  :)  Enjoy your time with your babies.