February

Dear Teacher, 

How are you? How is your mind? Your body? Your spirit?

This time in the school year can feel so heavy. The cold winter wind personifies the harshness that we witness at times in our classrooms, communities, and country. We walk alongside students exhibiting heartbreaking behaviors, craving empathy in ways they are not yet equipped to articulate. We experience painful disunity in our school system and wider circles. We feel too tired to navigate interactions with patience and the “right words.” We watch our country display its fragility and grief at the inhumane acts of humans. 

Growing up in Minnesota, I can tell you a lot about winter. I can tell you that it feels like it will last forever. I can describe that double digits below zero feels like sharp pins poking at your throat and lungs every time you take a breath. The cold and dark that winter brings is so, so heavy.

But I can also tell you what Minnesotans do about it. We become the warmth and light for one another. We gather together over a hot, fresh meal. Under blankets, we cozy around crackling fires. We connect, genuinely checking in on each other, because winter can be tough, but so are we.

There may not be immediate solutions for the heaviness we feel around us, but maybe we can learn some lessons from the bitterly cold Minnesota winters. No matter where we are or what we’re journeying through, if we lean in a little closer, check in on each other, and gather around some good food, maybe we will all feel a little lighter.