Sandra
McCracken, my sister, writes a song titled Age to Age. Interestingly, this song is written about
flood waters along the Mississippi, where two boys would play by the water,
along the levy. In the song, the levy
breaks and water and sand overcome them.
Authorities come and pull the one up by the hand and they ask where the
brother is, he replies, "I'm standing on his shoulders." She continues to mention atrocities of war,
the Trail of Tears and Martin Luther's thesis nailed to the establishment door,
all in a quest to urge us to persist in the face of challenges and transitions.
Sure
enough, here in spring time, where school officials adjust assignments,
administrators relocate and students and teachers alike prepare for summer
break, we wonder about change. What are
we going to do with new teachers, students and staff? According to Sandra, we are going to persist,
continue on and build on the efforts of those that have traveled before us,
standing on their metaphoric shoulders!
We are not going to quit! We are not a going to throw our hands up in
frustration. We are going to do all we can to continue growth, advancement and
progress.
Of
course, things will not be the same and neither will our students so we will push
forth. Again, referring to Dr Seuss,
will keep trying and asking for things to be better, even something as
simple as green eggs and ham.
These
pictures show a bit of the before and after during the floods of
2013. This puts a graphic illustration
to the song and reminds us of the power of time on our lives. The water spills
out of the banks and takes over the surrounding fields. This disaster is a setback but gives us
options. We could continue where we are,
rebuild and go on! Or we could relocate,
find a new place to call home and start over someplace else. A final option is to lament and wallow in the
perceived sorrow, thinking we have no control!
In
Winfield, we don't quit. We won't
stop. We will persist through these
tests, get stronger and learn from the battles, coming out wiser and better
prepared for our future. During
transitions, some are overcome and others come through and grow.
What
will we do? What will you do?
#onthemap.
Www.sandramccracken.com
@sandramccracken
Age to
age, Best Laid Plans, 2004
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