Last Hug

Last week, when our emergency staff meeting was over, the one that sent us home indefinitely, I took one last look around our school library, at the people that filled the space. When would I see these people again?

I got up to join Dawn as she walked towards the exit. Our eyes met and not knowing what to do, we kind of shrugged, acknowledging that we were taking a risk, and then we hugged.

My eyes tear up thinking about this moment now, as we face so much uncertainty. When will we get back to this space together?

I read Svalter’s post on Read, Reflect, Teach this morning. She wrote about Mo Willems Lunchtime Doodle sessions that he is offering live each afternoon. She quoted Mo’s opening remark from the first session, “Let’s find a way to be isolated and together at the same time.” I had logged into that Lunchtime Doodle with my girls, on Day 1. I remember hearing the words, but they didn’t stick. Reading them again I think about all the ways I’ve stayed connected with people in the last week. I have various group chats that keep me connected to friends. Friends from work, friends from college, friends I’ve met through dance class , the kindergarten moms. We all check in, share tid bits from the day, and sometimes fall apart from the craziness of it all.

Yesterday, we called my Grandma and she took a turn talking to each of the girls. She said she wanted to take a drive over, just to wave to them in the window.

Later in the day, we Facetimed with Adi’s friend from kindergarten. Adi was shy and I had to coach her through much of the conversation. I worry about what will happen to the friendships she has made and the impact all this time at home will have on kids…on all of us.

I’m grateful that there are so many ways to keep us connected right now. We are isolated and together. But I’m eager for the day when we can drop the isolated part. I want to hug my friends.