Hello Friends,
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
The above quote has been a favorite of mine for many years. There is something to celebrate and grieve in each day, each moment. Each life, no matter how mundane it may seem, is a daring adventure. Some weeks make this more obvious than others. Or some months. Or some years.
These past several months have made all us keenly aware of how “daring” and “adventurous” life is. Whether it’s connected to our jobs, our health, our children, or our country, we have all been forced to realize that life takes courage.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage” -Anaïs Nin
Since the pandemic, I have felt the empirical truth within this quote. But I have also discovered that courage is bolstered by observing others’ courage. Every day I see examples of this. An online first grader shares something he has written with bigger and more proficient third graders listening. And his life expands when it is received with applause. An on-campus student shares her opinion around a book she is reading. It is an unpopular opinion and is met with some giggles. The student goes on to explain the reasons why her opinion is valid. There are no more giggles; her life expands. I see it in parents who have the courage to trust us with their children; their lives expand. I see it in staff who are rethinking, reshaping and growing in their ideas around education. Examples of courage surround us and in return, we live more courageously.
This past week has required courage within our family. My wife’s mother passed away on Monday, and we all took a whirlwind trip to Germany to see her before she died. It was a moving and poignant experience, an experience that I know many of you have also gone through. Due to international travel, I have been quarantined with Jakob and Lena (our children). Our staff have stepped up in many courageous ways to support students, parents and each other while I am away. Thank you (parents/staff) for your kind emails, flowers, meals, and extra efforts. I am so deeply grateful. My life expands.