Lori Sabo
My 76 year old father is an amazing man. Seven years ago, a machine at a gym fell over on top of him, breaking his pelvis in five places and severing two tendons in his leg. Following successful surgery, he fought back like a warrior, obeying every command of his physical torturists (I mean therapists). That effort allowed him to return to the active life that brings him fulfillment, which includes daily workouts at the gym.
Then two years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt's Lymphoma. Because he was in such good shape, the doctor was able to put him through grueling treatments that would have been tough on a 25 year old. It was a horrific ordeal and one he went through with the sweetest, most gracious attitude and behavior toward every care giver.
Not long after that victory was won, cancer was discovered in his jaw bone and gum tissue. We all wondered why he was expected to endure another blow, especially such a serious one. He is still in the process of recovering from this latest challenge. His determination and fortitude are like steel and I have truly never seen anyone else suffer such misery with such grace. Every minute we get with him is precious and it looks like the latest medical efforts have bought us more sweet time with this man I adore so much.
We don't always get time, though. My dear father-in-law lost his battle with cancer two weeks ago.
What does all this have to do with teaching? If you are like me, you are reading professional books and children's books with next fall in mind. You might already be mentally arranging and decorating your classroom. But summer is for more than that.
Summer gives us the gift of time to step away from school. We can take a break from the nearly all consuming business of teaching children to get balance back in our lives. None of us really knows how much time we, or our loved ones, have left. So take advantage of the gift of this day and every summer day to get reacquainted with hobbies, interests and passions. Make an effort to daily feed your mind, nourish your soul and care for your body. Make it a priority to nourish relationships by spending time with those who are dear to you. Then you'll be sure to start a new school year without regrets and fully refreshed. Isn't that what summer is for?