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I haven\u2019t written for a long time. Working as a first grade teacher keeps me busy. Normally.<\/p>\n
Like all of you, my normal world changed.<\/p>\n
Initially, we heard hints of it. \u201cWe\u201d thought it was about \u201cthem\u201d or \u201cway over there.\u201d It was sad and horrible but far away and we kept going as normal.<\/p>\n
We watched the news and the conflicting information.<\/p>\n
Pretty soon, it was closer. It hit home. I had less students coming to class in \u201can abundance of caution.\u201d<\/p>\n
The last day of school, which I didn\u2019t know was going to be the last day, half of my class was home. Thankfully, they were healthy, just practicing the social distancing recommendations.<\/p>\n
My normal morning meeting was reduced by quarter and then\u2026by half.<\/p>\n
I saw those who remained starting to count their classmates that remained. They looked at me with curiosity. I smiled and tried to act normal.<\/p>\n
Pretty soon, a sneeze or a cough was scary. Even the young learners that I normally spend my days with were talking about IT. I tried to distract them with stories and lessons.<\/p>\n
On March 12th, we said goodbye and honestly, we didn\u2019t know for how long. We still don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
We have plans to provide emergency learning resources for families to do if they can. I imagine it\u2019s supposed to provide a feeling of normal, especially for those who crave predictability. I miss my daily schedule and erasing those lessons that are completed.<\/p>\n
For the first time in a long time, I didn\u2019t receive any emails about report card grades that were posted for trimester 2.<\/p>\n
I guess it just doesn\u2019t seem important now.<\/p>\n
There are lots of things that I could be doing. Things that normally I couldn\u2019t get to. Cleaning out that closet, pulling weeds from between the pavers, reading that book that has gathered dust.<\/p>\n
Maybe, I will get to those things but they don\u2019t seem important either.<\/p>\n
There are some good things about these \u201cNew Normal\u201d days. Less need for makeup and work clothes. Deodorant seems optional and home clothes are now worn 7 days a week instead of weekends.<\/p>\n
There are important things, must do things, like call your mother to make sure she follows the six feet rule. Contact a friend that lives alone and watches too much news. Remind that millennial that he is not invincible.<\/p>\n
Take the car out around the neighborhood so the battery doesn\u2019t die.<\/p>\n
Normally, I know what day of the week it is without looking at my phone. I\u2019m normally looking forward to Spring Break. That week away from school.<\/p>\n
I look forward to the days of normal.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n