12

We’re back.

Let’s let it sink in.

I was scared to say, “I’ll see you in a week!” because the last time I said that before spring break, I didn’t see my kids again. A week turned into three turned into the rest of the year…we all know how that story ended.

But this is a new story.

We’re working with our five-year-old to sit with feelings—to understand that it’s ok to feel a lot, to be happy and sad at the same time.

I’m always a little sad when breaks end—I’m sad that our concentrated family time is over; I’m sad I can’t just do yoga any time I want; I’m sad about setting that alarm clock.

But I’m also happy.

Because what I did today—come back from spring break—didn’t happen a year ago.

A year ago I was telling my friends we’d be in this for twelve to eighteen months, until the smartest people in this country formulated a vaccine for us. Everyone laughed at me.

But here we are, twelve months later, with over 100 million vaccinations distributed.

Here we are, twelve months later, and I actually get to start our calculus unit with my Precalc kids.

Here we are, twelve months later, and the month on my wall calendar was still correct when I entered my room.

Here we are, twelve months later, and I get to hear of graduation plans and see prom dresses.

Here we are, twelve months later, working to create as stable of an environment as we possibly can for our students.

Here we are, twelve months later, and the light is breaking in…

The number 12 is used in the Bible to signify completion.

I pray this is complete; I pray this is over so, so soon.

But to be truly complete, I pray that we are all a little more in tune with each other and with ourselves when it’s all said and done. I pray we’ve learned to sit better—with the happy and the sad. I pray we continue to create more and consume less. I pray we strive towards completion.

“May your kingdom come…on earth as it is in Heaven…”

Here’s to 12.