The much-awaited and long needed downpour  just broke through heavy clouds, and I am staring out the window at the forming puddles, thinking about school.

One week from today and we will return to a building we have not met or gathered in as a staff or school community since March 13.

March 13th.  The date of my youngest daughter’s birthday.  The date of our supposed last day of class before March Break.  Two days before our family was scheduled to leave on vacation in sunny Florida.  A day in what felt like the middle of winter, even though spring was only seven days away.  A day I will forever remember.

So here we are.  Here I sit.   165 days later.  Looking down the pipe at the last seven days of the longest spring break ever.  Wondering what we all will find on the other side of this extended holiday.

I have a few ideas.

We are going to find people, just like us, who are a bit anxious.  People who are a bit nervous.  People who will be feeling somewhat fearful.  Somewhat hesitant.   Somewhat concerned.

We will also find people, just like us, who are curious.  People who are interested to start a new chapter.  People who are happy to see people they’ve missed.  People excited to get back in the game.

We will surely find people willing to put their best foot forward.  People willing to lend a hand.  People who are content to do things a different way.  People who are innovative and creative.

There will also be people who are determined, persistent, resolute and unwavering.

So many people.

And we will find them all on the other side of this extended holiday.

Just like we knew them before.

Just like we saw them before.

But changed.

We often fear change.  But that is unnecessary, really.  Change is just the process not the outcome.  It is found in the particulars of details not by seeing the whole of everything.

Yes, things have changed.

But they would have anyway.  Because change happen in years without pandemics, even as it happens within years marked by pandemics.  Change is not novel or unusual.

It is to be expected.

So here we are.  Seven days to contemplate and reflect what is to come.  To ready the mind and fortify the body.  To stimulate ideas that will fuel curiosity and wonder.  To anticipate.  To wonder.  To wait.  For these actions will accompany us as well.

On the other side of the unknown.