Our inner waterways are coming back from their winter hibernation. Brown grasses are flecked with green shoots. Mirror water inlets are ringed with the circles of ducks. Empty branches hold the beginnings of nests. Rain soaked paths are scattered with prints. These signs of Spring are fragile and strong. The resilience of another winter survived speaks to the strength of even the smallest creatures. The new buds and tiny prints of newborns speak to the fragility of everything.

We are also coming back, and are at once strong and fragile. Our strength is evidenced by our resilience in all we have endured. Our fragility comes with our fatigue after working for so long together to stay safe. At times of exhaustion we can summon needed strength by pulling together in the same direction.  

During difficult times we can feel isolated. We can feel the need to retreat from others – to do what we want for ourselves. Our resilience and determination to do the right thing for the greater good can wane when we feel powerless, overwhelmed, and unappreciated. We know we deserve better. Our struggle turns us inward and frustration frames our decision making – we have simply had enough.

It is in this moment of near surrender that we need each other most. As we enter the final chapter of our school year we have the opportunity to rally to help one another. We have learned what needs to be done. Now – more than ever –  we need to find the strength to continue our collective efforts for one more step.

Mask wearing, social distancing, attention to hygiene, and health self-checks, and now vaccines are the tools we have developed. How we end this chapter is how we will remember ourselves. Finishing strong is the hardest and the most important part of any experience – particularly those that have left us feeling like we just cannot take one more step.

We have had a year filled with empathy, compassion, and support that has pushed back on the relentless tide of bad news.We have shown our best by covering for each other. We have cared for each other when we needed care. We have been at our best when things have been the worst. We have not backed down. We have pushed forward – even when there was no light in front of us.

I hope this weekend you each have the opportunity to talk with friends and family about what you need in order to carry forward through the end of the school year. Our Cape summer is on the horizon. There is light in front of us. We owe it to each other to dig deep and pull together so we can finish this off strong by continuing to act in the ways that we have learned to keep ourselves and our community safe. The last step is the one that makes the difference. Let us take ours together.

Peace,

Chris