"Don't it always seem to go-
That you don't know what you got till it's gone..." I miss my drive to work, listening to friends over Voxer or a podcast. I miss getting dressed in professional clothes. I miss all the steps I get in each day from moving around so much. I miss my students. I miss my colleagues. I miss my own children enjoying their teacher, classmates, and school. I miss my mom coming over in the morning to watch the kids. I miss the grocery stores having toilet paper and milk. I miss taking my kids to their after school activities. I miss watching my son's sporting events. I miss the freedom to get a cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts I miss eating out in restaurants. I miss family get togethers. I miss normal life. It's only been one day home from work and I already realize that I've taken so much for granted about my life as a teacher. I know I need to see the blessings, the silver linings, but tonight I am feeling the sadness and the loss of everything that was until now.
11 Comments
3/16/2020 08:48:30 pm
Oh, Kathleen, this is a poignant slice of life. It's good to think about what we are missing. I can see how thankful and appreciative you are of those things that are temporarily missing. Peace and health to you at this time.
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Sherri Spelic
3/17/2020 05:20:45 am
We are not automatons or robots. We are very human and fragile beings who, for the most part, thrive by being socially connected. Listing the things you miss presents the unmistakable evidence that this stretch of isolation and separation will be hard. I appreciate your slice for naming specifically what will be missed and acknowledging that sense of loss. We need to be honest with each other and grieving will be a part of the process. With you.
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Pam Ela
3/17/2020 05:38:31 am
Thank-you. We officially start day one out of school and work today, although we stayed home over the weekend too. I felt a little self-conscious about my own post today, because, like this, it’s honest. I miss my students, who didn’t report yesterday, and I miss my daughter, who is sick and does not live at home. I know my problems are small, but I miss the comfort of routine, of being able to see those I love. I appreciate your post SO MUCH and wish you luck setting into the new normal.
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3/17/2020 05:53:14 am
It's an incredible thing gratitude. We will continue to miss and yet be grateful for what we still get to do, have, celebrate. So different in so many ways, I can't imagine a new normal right now and your list is similar to mine. I miss so much too.
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3/17/2020 07:31:20 am
It is the "little things" that we end up taking for granted. Yesterday, I was also reflecting on how I missed my commute to school as it provided a guaranteed quiet stretch of time to listen to the audiobooks I downloaded from libro.fm. Over the coming days and weeks we will begin to establish a new normal. Sounds like you will be in a position to appreciate the new "little things" that become part of your home routine.
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3/17/2020 08:13:54 am
So poignant, Kathleen, and so true, about realizing what we take for granted each day. Today I turned the TV away from the news (reached my limit) and landed on a movie with a scene of children bicycling and a dog running beside them, so carefree, and for some reason it made me cry more than anything has yet. -Loss. Yes. Of proportions we have yet to realize. But... there's never been a time such as this for creative problem-solving and I am in awe of how leaders at multiple levels are doing so. And of their profound dedication and stamina on behalf of us all.
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3/17/2020 08:31:57 am
Such a lovely, but sad poem. You perfectly create the feeling of nostalgia for what we so took for granted on a daily basis and now miss so badly. Love the 'I miss' refrain.
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3/17/2020 04:51:54 pm
I am feeling that way, too, in many ways. I am not sure if I truly miss all of those things already or if I fear that we will never quite get back to that way of being again. Will there be a new normal?
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Eva Kaplan
3/17/2020 07:40:32 pm
You're so right! We take so much for granted in our lives...running water, food available whenever we wanted at the supermarket and restaurants, and being able to go and come as we like. We need to continue to be grateful for what we have each day. I miss my students too and wonder how they're all doing at home. I wonder when and if our lives will ever be the same as before this virus.
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angela
3/17/2020 07:47:37 pm
There is so much we take for granted -- and even still. Electricity, safety. I'm trying to be mindful of what we still have. But, I think it's also important to acknowledge what we're losing.
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