Yesterday was a tough day for me personally. I would like to say that I am better today but I know that I have a lot of healing to do. All of the pain that I suffer through the loss of my amazing dog Kobe, will be worth it for the 11 amazing years he gave me!
What I have really appreciated was all the kind words and “check-ins” from people all over the world who want to make sure that me and my household are okay. They have treated me much more than a colleague, and I have been genuinely touched by the caring I have felt over the past 2 days. This WallWisher really touched my heart and made me proud of how my dog impacted and touched the lives of so many. If I could give Kobe one last gift, it was that I share how much he affected me so he could affect so many others. He IS the best dog ever and I am glad that so many people know that (tied with all of yours of course).
I was not surprised, but amazed at how educators from all over the world reached out and showed their care for me. I was not treated like a principal, educator, or avatar, but as the person I am.
I have talked before about how I believe that my school should be like family, and I have seen the positive impact it has had on our own school culture. I have seen that this “family” belief has been extending into a global community, and felt it when I read Will Richardson’s post speaking about my brother’s tour of his daughter’s classroom. We all care and want things to be better. Will asked for ways that we can help teachers improve their practice and I truly believe that you will get people to move further with an arm around their shoulder, than a finger in their face. I know that my brother will work with his daughter’s teacher and help her improve her practice, the same way he has impacted so many others.
I have learned to reflect on everything that I do and tie into my own practice. From this last couple of days, I am more determined to reach out and care more about not only the kids in my school (who really helped today), but also my own colleagues in my building and virtually. Let’s continue to care and learn from the parents of these children since they bring so much value to our schools. I know that if we show our care and concern for one another we can make change. Let’s continue to put our arm around each other, in the good times and the bad, and make schools better as a global family. We can do so much more working together, than we can alone.
Thanks Kobe for teaching me another lesson on how to be a better person and educator. I am going to do my best to love others the way you loved me.
