Partnership Educators,
Within one's life, there are always a series of events that define you as a person and reorient your focus on what's important. I still remember my wedding like it was yesterday with the sweat beads dripping down my face and the nervous and joyous feelings running through my body. The birth of all three of my boys and the pure joy in holding each one of them as they cried the first time, took their first step, or the moment when they said their first word, "Doggy" and the laughter that ensued. I also remember us comforting each other when our fathers passed away. Still to this day we talk about these events and many others on how they have made us who we are.
This week I experienced another event that surely reoriented many of us and helped us to remember what is important. A beautiful 5-year old young man entered Turtle Bay School in 2014 as a bright-eyed and happily spirited boy charging to meet the world. When you met this young man, you instantly loved him. He was bright, energetic, and a beacon of positivity. Talking with him, you wouldn't necessarily know that he had cancer. He is a seventh-grader at Turtle Bay and still loved by all. Wednesday, I made my way to Turtle Bay School to participate in an event that showed us all that love is still alive and well within our community. The entire school came out to hold a parade for Colby Arnett because his school family was informed that he is losing his fight with cancer. In life, you meet millions of people, and many of them don't really touch or affect you. Every so often in your lifetime, you meet a person, and your life is changed forever.
Events in our lives help to give us the perspective of what is truly important. Many are reminded to be with their God more, some hug their loved ones and appreciate their family, and many more just remember to be kinder in their daily lives. Whatever these events do, for me it reminds me that we are people who are serving others in our community and giving them dignity and love in any form needed.
Once upon a time, there was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically.
"Perhaps," the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "What great luck!" the neighbors exclaimed.
"Perhaps," replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
"Perhaps," answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.
"Perhaps," said the farmer.
We all have had experiences where the curse turns into a blessing; rejection turns into redirection, and the unanswered prayer is the best thing that could've happened. Life is indeed a mixture of you never knowing what you are gonna get. Yet the farmer isn't delusional or apathetic, but equanimous through life's ups and downs. I think it is important to have foundational beliefs that keep you composed, to appreciate and celebrate the good, and to process trials knowing they soon shall pass and good will come.
Love you all and have a great weekend,
Rob