To quote the late, great John Lennon, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." And so has been my life lately. Personally, Dad was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer in November and, that being said, blogging about my professional life has taken a back seat. Family has been the focus. But now that we have a clearer picture of the future and we've weathered a massive round of radiation and have clearance from his team here to go ahead and go back to FLA (yes, they are snowbirds) we are sitting more comfortably. But that's just us and our family. And, as my mom has said from the beginning, which has been a great deal of inspiration for me, "And that's where we are today." In other words, one day at a time. You can't think about the future and what might be and fret about it.
I'd like to introduce you to another family, whom I know won't mind me sharing their story as they are very transparent both in their current stuggle and in their teaching practices. Meet Mike and Liz Fisher, or as you may know them, @fisher1000 and @elizabethfisher on twitter. They are living the nightmare of having their toddler battling major health issues like brain surgery. So far the prognosis is good. She's speaking and walking and laughing and playing. And "That's where we are today."
So, no more excuses. Blogging weekly is my pledge to you, the www. I am back. And I am back thanks to a prominent twitter poster, an educator who shares a great deal, for contacting me because my blog was disabled due to a commenter post that had a virus. Thank you to @nashworld for alerting me to the fact that my blog was down, giving me the inspiration to write again, and helping me to focus on my mom's mantra "and that's where we are today."
I think that mindset has a great deal of potential to drive teachers and districts forward. We must be realistic and set achievable goals for our kids and we must take time to honestly identify where are today. From there we can work together to create a plan that inspires all learners, both students and teachers.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Kate, this is so true! You might have noticed my fb post last night. Our district is going through major changes--deficit reduction, declining enrollment, "right-sizing," and it is hard for everyone. "That's where we are today" is a good mantra. I try to stay focused on what I can do, and know I make a difference for someone, somehow, every day. While I am concerned about the future,I try not to dwell on that which I cannot influence.
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