Dear NDUE Families,
I hope you and your family stayed warm and are recovering from the week of unpredictability.
The vantage point of a winter storm is so different through the lens of a child versus that of an adult.
Our children look at this weather with eyes of wonder, amazement, and excitement. They see their world turned into an icy playground. They brave the cold for the opportunity to build a Louisiana Snowman, slide down a hill on a makeshift sled, or ride around in awe, just soaking up how different everything looks covered in snow. Their hearts are full of laughter and joy with no fear or worries.
Adults approach a winter storm very differently. An instinct to protect, provide, and ensure safety overwhelms us. The uncertainty of whether we have enough of this or that, whether we are prepared enough, fears of how we will recover from missed work or damage... a flood of concerns fill our minds. We can briefly see the joy in short spurts; there is a part of us that wants to celebrate it. We take it in through small snapshots of happiness, but there is also a cloud of uncertainty that haunts us running in the background of our minds.
Our children can't understand that. Their innocence and trust in us are so high. Afterall the snow melts, the storm clears, and we find a way, we always do.
This week, whether you snuggled up, played all day, or struggled to manage the consequences, your children didn't lose a week of instruction. They gained a week of real-world lessons, creative play, and family leadership. They saw you balance preparation and juggle obstacles, as well as find joy even in the face of uncertainty. These lessons are likely more memorable and will serve them well far into the future. Good job this week! It's time get back to the books now.
Geaux Griffins!
Casey Hamon
