#SOL20 Day 23 Your Air is Mine

3/23/2020

This morning, I listened to a shared reading from my friend, Dr. Nicolette James. She read the picture book Listen by Holly McGee. You can listen and respond here, if you like.

Here is what I wrote:
"Your air is mine" struck me. Maybe because I just read something about how the Corona virus can live in the air for 3 hours. Maybe because now it is undeniable that we are all connected- that what affects one affects all.

I'm reading Facebook posts where kids are seen playing basketball together in packs. The parents posting are angry- we are supposed to all be keeping our distance. Wouldn't we all like to sit in a restaurant with a friend again, hug our mom, cheer in the stands at a sporting event? Why do some people think the rules don't apply to them?

It makes me think of what I used to say to the kids chatting on my line in the hall while the other kids were quiet. Everyone wants to chat, but the ones who are listening and practicing self control don't. The whole class suffers as we all stand and wait for the chatty ones to realize why we aren't moving.

It's like that now. We are all in it together. We all need to do our part. Your air is mine.

4 Comments

Carol Varsalona link

3/23/2020 02:10:45 pm

Kathleen, we are in a particularly vulnerable place now where Shelter In Place is the norm. As Cuomo says we have to think of the we not just me. We are in this together so everyone needs to do their part. I agree with you. Your Air is Mine is something to think about. Stay well.

Brian Rozinsky link

3/23/2020 03:01:05 pm

Tidying up computer files, I came across a copy of a poem I saved years ago for no reason I can remember. It's called "The Paradoxical Commandments.," and I thought of it again when I read your slice. it's posted here too: http://www.kentmkeith.com/commandments.html

Stacey link

3/23/2020 03:01:27 pm

Yes, we share the air. People don’t get it, but it’s really true. I think that line from Holly McGhee is perfect.

Our state has added one more week so now kids are not going back until 4/6. I doubt we’ll be going back at all. And, in some ways, I think that will be better since I truly want this to be stamped out. We need to keep each other safe!

Heidi Atlas link

3/23/2020 05:39:07 pm

The LIWP flipgrid shared reading project is really taking off. I watched it today, and it's so cool. It is so true that some people are not adhering to the quarantine and are not sacrificing for the common good.It's exactly what you describe with the chatty kids on the class line. Let's hope people wake up. Be well, Kathy. You are a shining light in this moment.

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