"How many years can some people exist before they're allowed to be free?
How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind. The answer is blowin' in the wind." I changed the calendar in my classroom today, taking the hearts off for February and putting up the shamrock numbers. I thought of how the March calendar stayed up for months in 2020- how my classroom was frozen in time, empty of it's inhabitants, March still hanging through April, May and June. March is back again. On Wednesday, (March 2nd) masks become optional in New York State schools. This, I know, is a hot issue for so many. I respect those who want to continue masking, but I feel ready to teach again with my whole smile. My son, who is in 5th grade, says he might still wear a mask. He isn't worried about COVID-19 (he's vaccinated) but I think the mask allows for some hiding. I think it will take time for our kids to feel fully comfortable again in a world without constant masks. My children talk to me about Putin and the Ukraine and Russia and war. I don't have the words except war is awful. Tik Tok and all the online images they see bring war into our home. My son, who has always been very interested in the army and World War II (and the American Revolution) is impressed by images of the President of the Ukraine putting on a uniform and fighting for his country. I see an image today I can't unsee- a six year old girl killed by a shell while she was outside of a grocery story with her family. I don't want to see these images. I want to look away. I want to block it all out. For this year's SOLSC, I decided to have a song each day be my anchor and create a playlist to remember the month. Blowin' in the Wind came to me the other day....I always thought I would be someone to speak out when I think of the big moments in history, like the Holocaust. But here I am, at another big historical and painful moment, and I am like the man in the song- turning his head and pretending he doesn't see. I don't know how to see it all and not be consumed. I don't know how I can help. I decide what I can do is pray, and so I pray for peace. I decide my children and I will go to Mass on Ash Wednesday and get ashes. I've never taken them. I am a lapsed Catholic who needs faith again. This world is so hard. March is here, with winds blowing, and a world once again in distress. I will be on the lookout for answers.
7 Comments
3/1/2022 03:46:01 am
I relate so much to much of what you were saying, about the masks, about Ukraine, and actually was thinking of going to mass tomorrow too. I think it might be exactly what I need.
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Melanie Meehan
3/1/2022 03:46:53 am
Love the idea of a SOLSC playlist. I do hope you bring out a few upbeat ones as the month -- there's a lot of joy to be found in the dust in the wind.
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Erika Victor
3/1/2022 03:59:44 am
I was thinking of having a theme for this year and love your idea for a playlist. I am not as creative, so will enjoy yours! This is a heavy time, but your idea of praying for peace sounds like a good plan. We are definitely not in the mask optional phase here (omicron is still escalating) and I cannot imagine that choice. Sending you love.
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Leigh Anne Eck
3/1/2022 04:57:26 am
Your vulnerability and honesty hits me deeply this morning on so many levels. thank you for being brave to share this. I look forward to seeing your playlist as the month moves on.
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3/1/2022 05:40:53 am
I love using a song as an anchor each day. Sadly, the one you chose for today is as true today as it was when it was written in 1963. I am struggling too and am thankful that I teach in a Catholic school where prayer is part of our day. Looking forward to seeing your playlist unfold this month!
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3/1/2022 03:01:29 pm
Wow, such a meaningful post, Kathy. I love how you used that Dylan line. And I love how you referenced the March 2020 calendar hanging around through June. I, too, struggle between watching the war unfold and looking away. Sunday night I watched a terrifying interview with awful footage and proceeded to remain awake til 4 in the morning. The next day I was exhausted and raw as I taught my 3 hour graduate class.I needed a break after that. It's important to do the little good we can do in the world to counteract the horror of war.
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3/1/2022 07:11:06 pm
A heavy, true first entry, and your playlist idea is a clever bit of inspiration for the latest push of daily slicing. One other thing you have going for you: Writing, as we know, can provide inroads to answers.
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AuthorKathleen Neagle Sokolowski Archives
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