An Eerily Quiet School

Yesterday, I "Got" (emphasis on Got) to go to one of the schools I work at. I had to supervise as Staff were permitted to quickly go into their classrooms to grab any needed supplies. When we walked out of the building almost 2 weeks ago on Friday the 13th (eeeeek), we had no idea what was in store. We now needed more than what we carried to our cars two weeks ago.

The old routine feeling was welcomed. I rolled out of bed, grabbed my coffee, got caught up on news, read devotionals, then got ready. I hopped into my car, second cup of coffee in my hand, started driving to work, and called my Mom. The routine felt like a long lost friend.

I pulled into the parking lot, hung up with my Mom and smiled to myself at the cars (maybe 4) in the parking lot. People! Other faces besides my beautiful daughters and dog! I entered the building and saw the 3 Secretaries in the office (I affectionately refer to them as "Fort Knox" They keep us safe). I smiled and waved to them from a distance, they waved back and it felt like home.

I proceeded down the Eerily dark quiet hallway where life used to happen and interactions were exchanged. I looked at each bulletin board made with creativity and love displaying work of students. I got a lump in my throat, and tears filled my eyes. Life has come to a screeching halt and has stopped (or that's how it felt). When I use to walk down empty hallways in the Summertime, I'd envision our students and staff playing outside, perhaps swimming and I'd look forward to when I could be outside later or perhaps swimming (or golfing :).

Yesterday's walk down the hallway was different. The visions of our students quarantined at home frightened me. Do they have enough food? How are they coping without routine? Do they think we have abandoned them?

I pushed my anxiety and tears away for awhile, entered my chilly dark office, and began to work. Two teachers came to see me at separate times (abiding by the rules). My heart jumped at seeing their friendly faces. We talked briefly (again, abiding by the rules), and I tried to calm their nerves. They don't know it but when I can calm their nerves, it calms mine.

We are on "Spring Break" now but it certainly doesn't feel like it. I put a lime in my Coke yesterday and told my daughter I am pretending I'm in Mexico. We both laughed. Next week we will continue E-learning. Staff will reach out to families and students. We work with students with special needs. Trying to find the best way to meet their needs on a daily basis in person can be a challenge. Now we are faced with meeting their needs from our Homes to theirs. I know our staff will rise to the occasion. They are the best staff around and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it.

Yesterday my day began feeling "normal", and it turned out to be nothing like that at all. It was unexpected. I walked down the eerily quiet dark hallway to leave and go home. Visions still swirled in my head of a school filled with smiling students, busy staff, friendly custodians, and protective secretaries. Life had stopped...........I yearn for it to start again.........until then,

Peacing out for now,

Stay Healthy in body and mind, Stay Courageous and Strong,

Kath