Rather than dwell on negatives, I want to focus on the positives because there are too many negatives. Too many.
First, I have been doing my part to help where and when I can. One thing that my husband and I have been able to do is help bring lunches to students and families in need. We are able to do this because our boys are grown. We don't have to deal with the homeschooling and working remotely. That frees us up to be able to offer assistance. We routinely head to school to grab lunches and bring them to families or pass out lunches to those families who can drive to school to pick up lunch. Twice a month, in addition to the school food, families are able to grab nonperishable food from the Food Pantry that brings a truck full of groceries. Thank you to the people who can make that happen. The people who donate, organize, deliver and volunteer---Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those who need it.
A few weeks ago, I ordered postcards to send to my students. They arrived last week. I spent a few days writing a personal message to all 95 students and mailed them. I am glad that I did this. What I had hoped would happen is working. Students that I have not heard from or seen any work from are emailing to thank me. They are telling me receiving a "letter" as they have been saying ,"has helped." Helped with what I am not exactly sure. Maybe it made them smile. Maybe they had a bright moment in a dark time. Maybe it reminded them that we the teachers wish we were back in school too. Maybe someone, they learned that someone cared and that was enough.
One thing I have learned through all of this is while we are all in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat.