Despite the anxiety we parents feel today, imagine what teachers are struggling with. They must juggle yet another ball as they carry on with the day, pretending to operate as if last Friday never happened. They balance the everyday needs of our children with the hushed tones of kid to kid chatter. My son’s teacher has already emailed us to let us know that some children have been talking about the Sandy Hook tragedy, surprising and perhaps frightening those whose parents chose not to tell them. Yet, she leads the children through lessons and comforts them with aplomb. Lessons carry on, books are read, word problems calculated, recess refereed. The teacher’s day goes on as planned, with an extra dose of hugs and serendipitous smiles that only children can spark.
I am prone to puddling at any given moment and have the luxury to do so as I work from home. Teachers must stand up straight, smile, and shine today, many who feel anxiety in their dual role as parents and teachers. My sons are both home sick today, a tiny blessing really. They are more snuggly in these sniffly days. I’ll take being hacked on and sneeezed upon. I don’t even mind that they use my sleeve as a tissue. We all laid under a blanket and watched a holiday movie together with our dog keeping our toes warm as he sat upon them. The Christmas tree in the family room is lit, the one decorated with ornaments the boys have made through the years.
I think of the children killed in Newtown, CT, some the same age as my little Deal, who is like a lap dog even when he isn’t sick. I think of the hell the survivors lived through and the trauma that will haunt them. I think of the teachers who were more heroic than we as a nation have ever given them credit for. The truth is, teachers are unsung heroes among us every single day. To teach a child to read is magical. To impart the gift of creativity is an inspiration. To feed the child whose belly groans is selfless. To hold the child who lives in fear is tender. To protect the child who is in danger is heroic. To be a teacher is a gift of service to us all.
Today, and everyday really, teachers are our helpers. Teachers are all the reminder I need that there is goodness in the world.
I am certain that Friday’s events would have seemed horrible regardless — but being a former teacher and having a 7-year-old son made it completely overwhelming for me. Love your Mr. Rogers quote — that’s a big part of what we tried to talk about with Junius.