SOL 2016 Day 5: And Sometimes Life Gets in the Way
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This March, more than 300 teachers have committed to daily writing. If you’d like to read more “slices” (from other teachers and even students), visit: twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/challenges.
Like many posts from others I've read this week during this challenge, this one was supposed to be about something else. But then life got in the way, throwing off my best-laid plans.
Yesterday I got word that someone I've come to care for deeply is very ill. This illness came on suddenly, so all who know her are reeling from the news. And of course, then feeling guilty that we worry about how this effects us instead of concentrating on her.
I haven't known D. for very long, a little over a year, so the depth of my feelings surprise me. I hadn't realized how much I had grown to love her, how deep our friendship had grown until presented with the possibility of losing her.
Right now, D. doesn't want people around her. She has to come to terms with this for herself. I know that I can't do anything for her at them moment. However, I also realize I need to take care of myself. I have to acknowledge that my feelings do matter, that I'm not being selfish in worrying about what this means for my life.
How to do this? Sometimes just taking care of mundane tasks can help. They help us feel like life can return to normal someday.
Last night, I had to go to the grocery store after work to pick up basic supplies. As I walked past the flower display, there were buckets filled with two of my favorite flowers: freesias and lilac. I knew what I needed to do for myself: buy them.
So today, every time I walk past my dining table, I stop to take in their lovely aroma, reminding me that there can sill be joy in life.