I Think I Learned the Universe's Lessons

I find it funny that despite being out of the classroom for six years I still associate certain times of the year with the writers I covered.  Late Fall and early winter was always when I would teach the Transcendentalists to my sophomores.  The backdrop of colorful leaves and brisk winds seemed fitting for discussing Nature and its power over the Soul.  Additionally, nothing screams the need to simplify life as much as the hustle and bustle of  holiday preparations.

The last few months of 2012 have caused me to think more and more about these two men and their messages.

In October I had my gall bladder removed.  Thankfully recovery was smooth and uneventful.  However, the pain, the fear of not getting a diagnosis immediately (did I mention the agonizing pain?), made me realize how much I take my body for granted at times.  I expect it to do what I want it to do when I want it done.  Losing that for a short time made me realize how fragile we all are.  Each step we take without pain is a blessing.  A surprising realization from this time was learning how much folks really do like me.  I was stunned by all the phone calls and visits from people stepping up to lend a hand be it making dinner for the family, doing laundry, or picking the kids up from school.  I felt so humbled by this outpouring of love.

Hurricane Sandy hit.  Nothing like a Mother to knock some good sense into a person.  When power returned and I could see the true extent of the devastation of many communities, the message of what is truly important resonated throughout my being.  I am so proud of the way communities have banded together to help out their neighbors.  I have no doubt that the shore will come back and be better.  Perhaps, the better will be in large part from this stronger sense of community and a new understanding between the distinction between needs and wants. 

Finally, the horror that unfolded in a small Connecticut town.  I cannot watch the news without crying.  Earlier in the day, I was at the local public library looking for some good early reader books for Alice.  While I browsed the titles, I became friends with a little two year old girl.  For some reason she decided I was worthy of her friendship.  I think it was because I was sitting on the floor at her level and I smiled when she walked by.  Much to her mother's mortification, Ella kept bringing me toys so I could have something to play with too.  Ella left and a  little boy around four began to orbit me.  He saw I had a Sid the Science Kid book in my pile.  He very sweetly asked for my help in finding some other ones for him.  Ever the teacher, I got him the books and we talked about a few other titles he might like. 

How could someone hurt a child? 

This is the stage when they look at you without judgement.  If you smile at them, they see you as a friend.  If you have a few kind words to share, they love you.  If you help them find a book, they view you as a hero.

How could someone destroy this?

I realize, too, that the intensity of my reaction stems largely from the fact my girls are in the age bracket of many of the victims.  My heart aches for those affected families.  Since yesterday  I have called on God many times to give those poor people strength.  They are living a parent's worst nightmare.  I cannot imagine life without the girls.  John and I joke around that we look forward to college because the house will finally be quiet and clean; but after watching the news yesterday, I sat in the house relishing the mess and the volume.  I hugged and kissed the girls more than usual.  Therein is the most powerful lesson of all...my family is my life.  Perhaps this gets lost in periodic sleep deprivation, tantrum cycles, whining, reprimands and the like, but the girls (and John, of course) are different chambers of my heart.  I cannot imagine life without the unit working together.  Obviously, we as a nation, need to figure out what we can do to make sure these outbreaks of violence stop.  As we figure out the path to take, let us not forget to hug those we love a little tighter.  Make sure to kiss a little more.  Say "I love you" more frequently. 

Thoreau and Emerson were right about so much...as was Robert Fulghum:

"And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together."