05/05/2023
It's May, and that means people everywhere are tired.
Teachers are tired.
Bus drivers are tired.
School staff members are tired.
Coaches are tired.
Parents are tired.
All the people are tired. Except kids.
Kids are not tired. They are wired and excited and full of energy.
Because May.
For a child, May is everything awesome. Field day, field trips, class programs, end-of-the-year parties and more.
It's life amplified for the little guys. Every day leading up to the last day of school carries the promise of something fun and spectacular, culminating with the most awesome stretch of pure childhood bliss - summer vacation.
How can they not be excited?
And how can we not be tired?
I see you over there, parents, rubbing your eyes and staring into space. I want to walk over and give you a hug. No, I want to give you a pillow and a blanket. That's more like it. I want to say, "Take a nap. It's okay. Rest for a moment. I know it's May, but May can wait for a 20 minute nap."
I see you over there, teacher, with your kids a little more rambunctious than usual. Trying to finish out the year and also make it fun and memorable, while juggling your own lives and schedules and kids and all the things. The past couple of years haven’t been easy. And you have stayed the course. And now it’s May, and I would have to imagine you are an extra kind of tired right now.
Because May.
So, let's be sure to give each other lots of grace over the next few weeks.
If someone misses a SignUpGenius - that's okay. Or maybe they sign up for something and then forget to bring it - that's okay, too.
Inboxes are being flooded. Calendars are being filled. Bank accounts are being wiped clean because we need to send a new Venmo every five minutes. And it's hard to keep it all straight right now.
Because May.
When we see people walking around the grocery with a glazed, weary look in their eyes going up and down the same aisle repeatedly, let's give them a smile.
When we see the frantic parents running into the classroom five minutes late, let's give them a smile.
When we see the kids open their lunchboxes and there is not a sandwich to be found, but instead all the leftover scraps from the pantry, plus a bunch of Easter candy, let's give them a smile. And when we see their mom or dad next time, let's give them a smile, too.
When we see the teacher or the lunch lady or the bus driver or the school secretary or the crossing guard or anyone working at the school for that matter, most definitely let's give them a smile.
When we see the coaches on the ball diamond who just coached a double-header because April showers bring lots of rainouts, let's give them a smile.
When we see our coworkers falling asleep at their desks, or in the middle of a meeting, let's let them sleep for a minute. And when they wake up, let's give them a smile.
Because May.
And when someone asks how you're doing - I think it's completely acceptable to just answer with, "May. I'm doing May."
And if they are doing May, they will totally get it.
And they will most definitely give you a smile.
And when we see the teachers walking down the hall with their classes behind them - kids jumping up and down, trying so very hard to stay in line, but barely making it - let’s remember how hard those teachers have worked this year. And be sure to give them a thank you and a smile and let them know how very much they are appreciated because this time of year is a lot.
And we are grateful
And we are tired.
And we are feeling a lot of feels.
And we need a lot of grace.
Because May.
