“The world won’t get no better if we just let it be
The world won’t get no better we gotta change it yeah, just you and me.”
-McFadden/Whitehead/Carstarphen
On this New Year’s Eve, I’m planning to attend the funeral home Visitation for a former student (see my post “I Remember Randall” below). Not exactly the champagne and confetti that most will enjoy, true. And it’s not my intention to bring anyone down on this festive day. But today is not just a day of celebration; for many it’s a day of reflection, of resolution and remembrance. Here’s how I plan in 2010 to celebrate the memory of an artistic, funny, athletic boy for whom the world didn’t get better in time:
I’m going to stop what I’m doing to look my son, and my students, directly in the eye when they have something to say. That’s what the “pause” button is for, that’s what bookmarks are for, that’s what the “reheat” button on the microwave is for, that’s what a planning period is for.
I’m going to go nuts every time a kid brings me a picture drawn just for me, and hang it up somewhere in the classroom immediately!
I’m going to tye-dye my Peacenik cloak in the boldest colors of the rainbow, and wear it like Lady GaGa wears, well, everything.
I’m going to smile when I’m driving.
I’m going to make more of what we teachers call “Sunshine Calls” to my students parents, so that more kids can go home to find smiles and approval.
I’m going to keep track of former students (thank you Facebook!) and let them know that we’re still pulling for them at their old elementary school.
Most of you didn’t know Randall other than by what you might have read in my first post. Hopefully that won’t stop you from reflecting for a moment, and doing something for a child in 2010 that will honor Randall’s short life. By doing so, you’ll help bring Peace to a gone-too-soon spirit, and you’ll advance the spread of Peace in our own world.
If you’re so inclined, add a comment to let us know what you come up with. I’d love to read, and be inspired by, your insights!
Happy New Year, friends.
"...but I'm not the only one..." 
In my old office, I had this quote taped in front of my workstation:
“People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
—Unknown
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As I gazed upon Randall’s face today, memories flooded back of a happy boy who brought joy to us all. I think I convey the message to all my students that they are special, they are loved, they are worthwhile and that they make a difference in the lives of people around them. At the visitation, I saw one parent of a former student of mine and she was so glad, but not surprised, to see teachers come to the visitation. Reading Robin’s blog tonight after the visitation makes me even more committed to be sure that message gets across to every one of those precious students we teach.
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