My 71-year-old mom discovered Facebook a few years ago. All (viral) hell broke loose as she, lovingly, would share “did you see this?” video and meme and story after story. She’s my mom; I can’t complain. Next was Instagram (@julie.mcbride.31), primarily a medium to share her wonderful, Sara Post inspired art. She’s sheltering well and ramping her creative juices.
This week, she shared a post painting a positive outlook on the CV-19 situation, specifically for children. I suppose this has orbited the internet a few times, but nevertheless would like to share, particularly through the lens of a father of two sheltered sons. Here goes:
Our schools have been out for about 3 weeks and if we go back May 1, we would be out for over seven weeks. If they cancel the rest of the school year, students would miss 2+ months of education. Many people are concerned about students falling behind because of this. Yes, they may fall behind when it comes to classroom education...
But what if...
What if instead of falling “behind", this group of kids are ADVANCED because of this? Hear me out.
What if they have more empathy, they enjoy family connection, they can be more creative and entertain themselves, they love to read, they love to express themselves in writing.
What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own backyard and sitting near a window in the quiet.
What if they notice the birds and the dates the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?
What if this generation are the ones to learn to cook, organize their space, do their laundry, and keep a well run home?
What if they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less?
What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home.
What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?
What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants and the previously invisible essential support workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, logistics, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered in place?
What if among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life to truly learn what really matters in this life?
What if they are AHEAD?
Take care, be well. We will get through this, hopefully stronger, kinder and wiser on the other side.
