As New York State navigates the tough decision to keep schools closed, a whirlwind of emotions floods our minds. How do we process this news, especially for our children? Many of us have never faced such fear, uncertainty, and disappointment in our lives. To everyone feeling adrift in this tumultuous sea of feelings, I want to share a few thoughts.
To the students, teachers, and parents wrapping up this academic year without the closure they deserve: I understand.
Parents, I hear your worries. You’re questioning if you’re doing enough as educators at home while balancing work, dinner, and endless chores. I empathize with those little preschoolers longing to perform in their year-end play. I feel for fifth graders missing out on their last field day and the eighth graders who won’t get to sign yearbooks or enjoy their moving-up ceremonies. The heartache of young children who yearn to reunite with friends and teachers is palpable.
I also sympathize with retiring teachers who won’t get the chance to say goodbye to their students and colleagues, who have become like family. And I weep for the high school seniors who lack the opportunity to celebrate their achievements — no cap-tossing in June, no prom, and no graduation ceremony.
Why do I feel so deeply for you? Because twenty years ago, I experienced a similar loss. On that fateful April evening in 2000, just after buying my prom dress, I was involved in a horrific head-on collision that left me with life-altering injuries. I remember being a melancholy 17-year-old, robbed of the chance to take my AP exams or attend my senior awards ceremony. I never wore that pale yellow dress, and I still have dreams about the closing chapter of high school that I never got to experience.
As a mother of three, I witness the confusion and sadness in my children during this time. I offer them hugs and a listening ear, knowing that not fulfilling their dreams as they envisioned can be disheartening. It’s essential that no one dismisses their feelings; they are valid.
However, children are remarkably resilient. They will emerge from this experience stronger than we can imagine. They’ll learn to appreciate life’s little joys — car rides, collecting rocks, and flowers. Our seniors will grow into adults who understand hardship and learn to embrace life’s lessons, such as living in the moment and cherishing every experience.
This situation is undeniably unfair, frustrating, and heartbreaking. Yet, life will continue. While our children may not find closure this academic year, let’s remember that others face far worse challenges. Those who have lost loved ones to this pandemic are navigating an entirely different kind of pain.
When faced with adversity, we must rise above it. Two decades ago, I didn’t want to grow up overnight or make decisions meant for adults. I thought it was unfair to have to choose a rehabilitation center instead of a college. But those experiences shaped who I am today.
I’m approaching this pandemic day by day, well-acquainted with the feeling of isolation. As parents and educators, we can show our children that overcoming this hurdle makes them capable of achieving anything.
Nothing lasts forever, and this can be a teachable moment. My young friends, strive to radiate positivity and optimism, even when life feels gray and lonely. Remember, some problems will be small, while others may loom large. The challenges ahead, like landing that first job or pursuing your dreams, won’t feel as daunting because you are strong and resilient.
Always remember, you have our unwavering love and support throughout your journey. If the present is all we have, let’s make the most of it and appreciate this very moment.
For more insights on navigating these challenging times, check out this blog post. And for those interested in pregnancy resources, Healthline offers excellent information, while Make A Mom is an authority on home insemination kits.
Summary
This heartfelt piece reflects on the loss of a senior year due to an accident twenty years ago, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by the Class of 2020 amid the pandemic. It emphasizes resilience and the importance of living in the moment while offering solidarity and understanding to students, parents, and teachers navigating these unprecedented times.
Keyphrase: loss of senior year
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