It’s been a week full of lowlights – events that are cause for reflection, silence and sorrow.  Next to these serious situations, the highlights are dim.  But I still search for them, as a daisy reaches for the sun through a crack in the sidewalk.

Though none of these events happened to me, exactly, they happened to people I love and share life with, and so…they happened to me, too.  They give me a chance to reach out in kindness and to remember how lucky I am.

1.  Last weekend, a good friend’s daughter, while skiing at Sugarloaf, lost track of her friend.  Said friend had gone off the trail and crashed into a tree.  She is in a coma in Bangor.  She is 10 years old.

2.  On Tuesday afternoon, one of my students lost his home in a huge, all-consuming fire.  He returned to school, as normal, on Wednesday, and chose to hang out in my room for most of his day.  I would like to think our little school community brought him comfort and normalcy.

3.  Last Monday, almost two weeks ago, the wonderful Ed. Tech. who works in my room 2/3 of each day went with her husband to Portland where he was scheduled for a pretty routine surgery.  She has not returned because there are complications.  Last I knew their children were on their way to be with him.

4.  Was officially observed for the second time this school year.  Though it went exceedingly well, from my perspective, I anxiously await my written evaluation.

5.  I am kicking serious arse in the Hamlin bracket war for March Madness.  Guy is incredulous and jokingly dismissive, claiming that only the final game now counts. Truth is:  even random selections have just as much chance of winning this thing.  You just never know how a game will go.  As it is with life.

6.  Got a haircut.  Went summer short.  I’m considering throwing all caution to the wind and letting myself go gray.  Soon.  But not today.

7.  Baseball season began.  Yes, the kids have to play in the gym due to snow on the fields.  But I’m excited.  Baseball means warm weather and fun.  This season is one of my favorites!

8.  Only two weeks until spring break.  Guy and Garrett will be traveling back to Korea to visit students and friends.  I, at home in Belfast, plan to do more than my fair share of ass sitting.

9.  It didn’t snow.  We’re almost into complete safety no-snow zone (though I remember that not-so-funny huge April 1st storm a few years back.  Therefore,  I do not quite trust Mother Nature.)

10.  Though generally under a blanket of wet sadness this week, life continues.  I am grateful for a healthy, happy family, a warm, cozy bed and home, a job I love and people who make the entire ride worthwhile, all the hard stuff notwithstanding.