Women from Willowbrook gathered at the park yesterday. While there was a chill in the air to meet the rising sun, the warmth from the heat radiating off of the fire that was set deep in the limestone hearth, permeated their souls. It was a warmth initially sparked by months of separation, years of difficult expectations, and overall stress. Yet, the crackling flames were fueled by commonality, friendships, and a desire for something better.
Healing, unity, and connections don’t happen haphazardly. It takes intentional work. It’s like traditions. Sometimes it begins with a purposeful and planned action or event to help set the rock into place that becomes the cornerstone that marks when you begin to move ahead. Occasionally it happens because something that occurred was welcomed, celebrated, and scheduled again.
Today was a step in the right direction to perhaps lay the foundation for future gatherings. Erwin Raphael McManus once wrote that we are, “different, but a part of the same tribe...walking in the same direction, but on a unique path.” (The Barbarian Way - 2005) That sums us up as educators and humans alike; each with our unique gifts, personalities, and characteristics, putting one step in front of the other and doing the best that we can with what we know at the time.
I often wonder what I can personally do to help in certain situations. How can I contribute to help rally the troops or provide comfort and relief? I’ve found that what I am able to provide is never really the same response twice. It’s not a constant variable. Sometimes I speak, sometimes I write, and sometimes I listen. Often it centers around the outdoors or actively doing something. This time for the Willowbrook Women, together with the help of others, I simply set a date, made a reservation, and cooked a meal. The ladies took care of the rest on their own.
Current teachers and support staff from each side of our school building bonded with teachers who have since moved into retirement or other opportunities outside of Willowbrook. Together they talked, ate, and hiked the nearby trails. Together they laughed from their hearts, and showed brief glimpses of their spirit. The breakfast in the park was an avenue to move forward together, and that was vital on so many fronts. Perhaps today will be the segue that not only becomes a tradition, but that welds a link within a chain that has a unified purpose. It’s how seemingly small and insignificant events can become so important and vital. Should we all be so fortunate as to be blessed with such an opportunity.
See you along The Way...
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| The Fire, Hearth, And Gathering |
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| Justin And I Cooking Breakfast In Cast Iron Skillets |
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