By Dana Bockman, Facilitator of Instruction and Assessment The week of April 27th must have been a tough one all around. Mr. Lane noticed it in our admin team meeting. I noticed it as I led the coaches’ weekly meeting a day later. I saw it again as I sat in on a building meeting at the end of the week. The realization that school is going to look much different next year was hitting a wider audience and being discussed in more depth. A grieving of the loss of what had been was evident. So many extreme changes in such a short amount of time has certainly taken its toll on all of us and, rightfully so, we are feeling a variety of emotions. It would be easy to dwell on the negatives. In recognizing our collective administrative team mood, Mr. Lane shared a story. A reminder to his team that good can be found within the bad. Joy can be found amongst the chaos and uncertainty. Positives are happening during this less than ideal situation. The COVID-19 crisis created circumstances that led to an incredible gift I will treasure for the rest of my life. My grandma, Neva Eggimann, is 96, and lives alone in a senior residence community in Jefferson, Iowa. She is an active and independent person, and the isolation of social distancing has not been easy. My mom, Kathy Lane, has driven from Des Moines to Jefferson on Wednesdays for years to visit my grandma, take her to the grocery store and on other errands, and to enjoy lunch and visiting. These Wednesday visits have continued during the pandemic, but my mom and grandma stay in my grandma’s apartment. About five weeks ago, I got home from work on a Wednesday evening, and my wife said, “did you see your mom’s Facebook post? You have to check it out, it's so awesome.” I opened Facebook and discovered a video my mom had made of Grandma Neva reading a picture book to the camera. She made the video for my nieces Maggie and Sally who are 3 and 18 months and live in Ankeny, and then posted it to Facebook. As I listened to the story, I closed my eyes, and was instantly transported back in time. I could feel my young self sitting on my grandma's lap listening to that same voice. It was an incredible moment. Since then, I have eagerly anticipated my mom’s new Grandma Neva book reading posts each Wednesday afternoon. I am delighted to know I will have access to these videos for the rest of my life, and will always be grateful for the circumstances that brought me this gift I didn’t know I needed. Books Grandma Neva and I Highly Recommend
Grandma Neva sharing a Maggie Hathaway favorite, Everywhere Babies. Find the good in every bad situation has been a mantra I have lived by and so Mr. Lane’s story was a good reminder to consider some of those “good” things. It struck me that having our college freshman home for the past few weeks had created many bonding opportunities for him and his father that never would have occurred had there not been school closures. I could do without the increased grocery bill, but am excited that a lot of projects I wanted done were completed by the two!
That is only one of the joys I have found during this time; there are more. Sensing the need for the coaching team to also take some time to reflect and consider the positives, I assigned this very important work for them the morning of May 1. Step away from your computer, close all the tabs in your head too (stole that from Twitter), and enjoy the weekend weather. Get outside, don't think about school, enjoy your families, enjoy nature, go for a walk or hike, maybe do some yard work, get in the sunshine, look at the clouds, look for early blooms and trees starting to get color, think about all the positives in your lives, look for even more positives around you, and just relax and enjoy. As early as you can possibly begin this assignment today the better. Today, I assign each of you this same task and ask what joys this emergency closure has brought to you? What are the positives you have found? What would never have happened if it were not for the Covid-19 emergency?
41 Comments
Darlene Woodhouse
5/15/2020 07:56:56 am
My brothers and I are Zooming each Sunday evening. Prior to COVID-19, I had little communication with my brothers. Texts here and there, but nothing as a group.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 09:20:14 am
We have been having zoom sessions with all of the kids and their significant others. Never did that before, but always complained about how we never have everyone together at one time. Now we do...virtually! It has been some of the best nights during this entire time. Thanks for sharing, Darlene!
Reply
Liz Fox
5/15/2020 10:05:11 am
Darlene - same here! It's not a regular occurrence, but to get my siblings together (and sometimes my parents as well) has been amazing. This would never have happened prior to COVID-19, and I hope we can continue to connect well into the future.
Reply
Greg Murphy
5/15/2020 08:32:47 am
Been able to slow down and appreciate what we have -- in friends and the wonderful nature scenes we have in this area.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 09:21:37 am
It has been really nice to slow down in some ways and just appreciate what we have. Not always being on the go has been nice.
Reply
Laura Greve
5/15/2020 09:15:01 am
This all has been very difficult as I have a high school senior this year, so many plans that are either cancelled or put on hold. SW has found away to have commencement in a way that will never be forgotten, so that is a great positive for us. We have 3 sons so we have been able to get large projects done, like shingling our house, building a deck, and lots of yard work. We have been enjoying more down time, to just talk or watch "The Last Dance" (about Michael Jordan) together as a family.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 09:23:56 am
Sometimes it is difficult to look beyond all that we are missing....definitely all that our seniors are missing.Taking a moment to reflect on the good is helpful. We have been enjoying "The Last Dance" as well!
Reply
Sarah Nowack
5/15/2020 10:05:03 am
I have really enjoyed the ability to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. I am getting more sleep than I have gotten since I was a child- feeling well rested is an amazing feeling! I have found great joy in letter writing, a nearly lost art.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 02:02:19 pm
It has been nice to slow down a bit and appreciate those things that often get overlooked in the busyness.
Reply
Nicolle Korsness
5/15/2020 11:00:12 am
This was a great read. Thank you! What a great idea for Mr. Lanes grandma to read books and like he said, the recordings he has of her, he will have forever! These closures have been difficult and the lose of planned spring and summer activities have been very, very hard. Some positives I have had were the ability o get a lot of household projects and cleaning done, that have been and would have been put on the back burner for many years. My daughter was able to paint and redecorate her room, which she has been asking to do for a year. I have visited and explored so many new walking trails and state parks.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 02:00:58 pm
Checking a few projects off the list is always a great feeling!
Reply
Sarah Nowack
5/17/2020 05:21:59 pm
I too loved Mr. Lane's grandma's story time! Great idea!!!
Reply
Selina Quandahl
5/15/2020 11:11:58 am
I love how my kids are doing FaceTime with my parents and getting one on one time with them. Most of the time it's my parents with all eight grandkids and they don't get much one on one time with each child, this way they do:). I have enjoyed quality family time, suppers together, walks and long drives!
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 02:03:20 pm
Isn't Facetiming and zooming with family a treat?! I don/t know why we didn't do that more before!
Reply
John Hines
5/15/2020 12:12:59 pm
An enjoyable read, thanks for sharing. I too have found some silver linings. My sister and I now talk regularly, I’ve become more techie and comfortable with video making, and enjoying the overdue projects around the house with my daughters.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 02:04:08 pm
I bet a lot of people have become more techie!!!
Reply
Mary Winger
5/15/2020 01:53:11 pm
Thanks to Dana and Mr. Lane for reminding us to focus on good things that come out of a dark time. I'm thankful for the learning opportunities that have been assigned, giving me more knowledge and confidence. I miss the students and staff. During our book study and Zooms, I have been thankful for reading, hearing, and sharing thoughts and feelings with wonderful people, many that I've never met or barely knew before the pandemic. I'm thankful for my devoted dog. And connecting with family and friends has always been important. I appreciate it all those connections now more than ever.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/15/2020 02:05:37 pm
Thanks, Mary! It as been a pleasure to get to work with the paras throughout this time!
Reply
Andrea Knaack
5/15/2020 03:01:13 pm
I appreciate your focus on the positive, as I have really tried to step back and be more appreciative of the little things that I consistently DO have in my life! I am thankful that I live in Decorah and all of the beauty if beholds. I am also thankful for freedom and the opportunity to explore this beautiful world around me. And most importantly I am thankful for my family, who is willing to come along beside me as we experience this new way of life together. We are truly blessed beyond measure!
Reply
Sarah Nowack
5/17/2020 05:18:34 pm
Andrea, I agree, we live in a beautiful world and we are blessed in so many ways!
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/17/2020 05:31:22 pm
We certainly are fortunate to live in such a beautiful area!
Reply
Janet Falck
5/15/2020 06:06:30 pm
I have had more time to just enjoy the wonderful outdoors and the farm. I feel more energized to get projects done, and our garden is going to be terrific this year. I have had my horse out for a few rides during the day, gotten the ponies out for a drive, and spent time helping my husband with much needed farm and home projects that always get pushed by the wayside as there is never enough time. Feeling very productive, and I am excited for when my son comes home from deployment so he can see all the things that have been going on. Also able to spend time during the day with my youngest son and just hang out and also work on projects together with him.
Reply
Dana Bockman
5/17/2020 05:33:16 pm
There sure have been some nice days to ride!
Reply
5/15/2020 06:12:55 pm
I appreciate the Zooms and Hangouts with friends and family. Most of the time, a close knit group of friends only get together at weddings. This has provided a nice opportunity to see and talk more. I appreciate the nicer weather and time to spend with the family. My wife and I are able to get in a walk on the trail, most days while the kids speed ahead on their bikes trying to find the painted rocks. Each night ends with a family game of UNO or 31. If the game runs a little later...........eh, we'll sleep in a little bit!!!
Reply
Denise Cook
5/16/2020 08:13:50 am
As a family we sit down each night for a meal. I can't remember the last time that happened.
Reply
Laura Evelsizer
5/16/2020 01:58:47 pm
I feel more involved in the kids school work. ( I like knowing what they are working on) We have found some fun way to all work together on class work. (All of my kids love the kindergarten sight words songs;) We play weekly trivia with our class of 2003 friends. A lot of zoom family calls and are fostering dogs.
Reply
Carrie Nimrod
5/18/2020 07:52:23 am
Way to go! Even fostering dogs?! Your energy and tender heart make such a big difference to all those around you!
Reply
Sue Sander
5/17/2020 08:55:20 am
Well a few positives that the social distancing has created for myself are finding joy in small things joining my husband for Firetruck rides to help celebrate birthdays, expanding on my love of baking (this also is causing expansion of the waistline not finding joy in that aspect). The art of writing letters my mom is in the nursing home and we haven't been able to visit with her since March 17th so a weekly letter is written and she so enjoys receiving mail. I have also been sending letters to all of my aunts and doing weekly check ins with them. The older generation loves to have a letter or card so they can reread and reminisce until we can gather again.
Reply
Ann Fjelstul
5/17/2020 02:31:17 pm
I have enjoyed spending more time with my family. My senior will be leaving in the fall, and I've been able to spend time that I would never have had. My family and I have been able to have time to have good talks and laughter. We have exercised together, planned together and lifted each other up when we are sad. I have been able to drink a whole mug of coffee before it gets cold. Something I could never do in school! I also been able to make a good breakfast and sit down to eat it.
Reply
Brittany Theismann
5/18/2020 07:34:06 am
I've been able to appreciate the small things more and be thankful for what I have. My husband and I are lucky to be healthy and I get to spend some time with my nephew.
Reply
Connie Krueger
5/18/2020 07:38:56 am
I have been spending most of every day with my 86 year old mom. I have realized how much help she really needs throughout the day. I have enjoyed our extra time together.
Reply
Connie Krueger
5/18/2020 07:42:05 am
I have been spending most of every day with my 86 year old mom. I realize how much help she need throughout the day. I have enjoyed our extra time together.
Reply
Carole Sand
5/18/2020 08:28:51 am
Thanks for the positive message, Dana. On the plus side for me, I have exercised nearly every day since school was canceled. I try to hike a different route each day of the week. I'm so thankful to live in Decorah with so many beautiful trails. I also have been connecting with my sons more often; they live in Montana so we have been Zooming and playing 500 cards on trickstercards.com. It feels like just hanging out with them rather than the typical catch-up call. My garden is in earlier than ever. So there have been a few silver linings.
Reply
Connie Haas
5/18/2020 01:58:31 pm
I am getting to spend more time with two of my grandchildren as their daycare is closed and various members of both sides of the family are filling in until it reopens. I set up a zoom meeting for my granddaughter's preschool class the other day and it was just the cutest thing. The kids were so excited to see each other and talk about what they were doing.
Reply
Paul Snell
5/18/2020 02:14:52 pm
During this time my wife and I are enjoying our time with our daughter Kendall. We have experienced many of Kendall's milestones through the first 6 months together as a family.
Reply
Linda Kirkeberg
5/18/2020 02:21:33 pm
I do have several positives to share. I am well rested, have read some wonderful books, and the spring cleaning was done sooner than later. I’ve also had a chance to spend some great quality time with my grandchildren. I do really miss going to the grocery store, but we are thankful our daughter, Emily, can go for us.
Reply
Steve Peterson
5/18/2020 05:04:58 pm
What a terrific post! I have all sorts of anxieties that came from my mom’s recent stroke, but I have been able to be with her more than I ever could have been. Working “remotely” means that sometimes I am more remote than other times. It feels good to be there for her.
Reply
Pam Sullivan
5/18/2020 08:43:21 pm
What a blessing for Mr. Lane and his family to have his Grandmother still in their lives. Reading his blog made me smile and think how truly lucky they are.
Reply
Steve Larson
5/19/2020 08:46:52 pm
Thanks for the article. COVID-19 has caused many changes, some positive, some not so positive. One thing I have enjoyed is emailing with students once they have finished an assignment. That interaction is a way to get to know them better. I even had one of my students bring me some cookies they baked, which was one of their activities they could do for CTE. My oldest graduated from the University of Minnesota on Saturday and while he thought he had his near future planned out, his mission trip to Hungary or Rwanda was cancelled. But that has opened up another door for him...he is going to the seminary for two years to get a Youth and Family degree. So COVID has caused some unexpected possibilities.
Reply
Maureen Hrdlicka
5/21/2020 04:55:42 am
Good read! Thank you for sharing! The reminder to think about and cherish the good things we have experienced during this Covid crisis has been very uplifting and heart warming. Not everything has been wonderful or easy, but the positives have been amazing!
Reply
Sue Lansing
5/26/2020 12:57:47 pm
Thanks for sharing!! How wonderful to be able to have those memories of Grandma reading~as much as I struggle sometimes, technology is really awesome! I think the joy through all of this is that we have all in some way learned to slow down and enjoy things we took for granted before.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsDCSD Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Learner Advocate, and Collaborative Teachers Archives
April 2024
Categories |