Week 2 of School - 2nd COVID-19 Test

I went and got my 2nd COVID test of the 2021-22 school year. More folks getting their kids swabbed than I’ve ever seen. Truly sad scene.

In the last few weeks In people I know… I’ve seen:

• a kindergartener contract COVID on their first day of school… and their mother and sibling got it… now their family is living apart so the rest of the family doesn’t get infected. 
• a “healthy” friend in their 60s who doesn’t socially distance contracted COVID and has gone through 2 weeks of in and out of the hospital and hopefully has turned the corner.
• a friend who’s anti-mask / anti-vax sibling contracted COVID and they’re now planning the funeral after a week in the hospital.
• A friend in their late 30s who contracted COVID, almost died. He is not out of the woods yet. He is not vaccinated. 
• Got emails from too many parents (I’m in charge of photos/IDs next week) who have their kid at home quarantining so they can’t be at school because someone they were in close contact with at school has COVID and they’re not vaccinated.

There is nothing I can say to convince those who won’t get vaccinated. There is nothing I can post to convince people who won’t mask to do so.

Explaining to people who perpetuate made-up  home remedies and vitamin packs in place of a vaccine that their unfounded opinions are literally KILLING people doesn’t work.

All I can do is be an example. I will continue to test weekly, wear a mask and socially distance as much as I am able. 

Why? Because I care. 

I love you. 

I pray you will do what is best for you and those who are occupying your airspace. 

#lovemovesfirst

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First COVID-19 Test of the 2021-22 Schoolyear

Hi, I'm a High School Teacher in Texas. 

I am taking weekly COVID-19 tests during this school year to lower the risk that I put any of the students, their families and/or loved ones in harms way.

I'm doing this because it's the responsible thing to do. It's my way to let love lead.

As an educator, as a person who is in an indoor setting with hundreds of individuals a week, as a human who cares about you. #LoveMovesFirst

This is Week 1:

Who knew the first test for the 2021-22 school year would be a nose swab?

Just being extra cautious… I should be fine… but if I’m in charge of teaching kids… I believe I should lead by example.

 Result:

My Journey:

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Y'all Stop.

Y'all, Stop. 

Y'all, Stop.

Just stop.

Stop arguing. Stop yelling at each other.

Stop engaging in hate.

Stop trying to explain why your way is the right way of thinking in a group setting or on social media.

At this point I can see a stark line between two camps...

- Ones who lead/react with love

- Ones who lead/react with hate

The ones who have chosen to lead with hate aren't worth engaging. They are not looking for answers, they seek to hurt and argue. But to do so.. they need a willing participant.

This is what I'm doing... I'm taking note of who the folks who are hateful are.. what businesses they own.. what clubs they belong to... and what social circles they are welcome in... and I am choosing not to participate, engage or spend my dollars with those businesses/groups.

When they have nobody left to hate... they will cannibalize themselves.

If given the choice.... I urge you... choose Love. 

#lovemovesfirst

“This isn’t an airport… no need to announce your departure.”

“This isn’t an airport… no need to announce your departure.”

That was a comment I read in a Facebook group where someone was complaining and announced that they were done and giving up on the group and leaving. 

As snotty and flippantly sarcastic as the first sentiment is… I Can totally understand it. I was the moderator of a group for a few years about 5-6 years ago… I ended up being harshly treated and blamed and badmouthed for doing the job of the admin (long non-important story). I just simply left the group. 

Did I want to make a grand exit where I put everyone in their place and publicly shame those who were being two-faced and name calling and being generally bad humans? Yes. But what good would that have done? It would have turned me into a target for trolls and ridicule. 

But quietly waking away and not making a big deal and going on with my life…. As hard as that was… I have preserved my name. Those who know me know I have nothing to prove… especially to those who step up to push me down. 

“This isn’t an airport, no need to announce your departure.”

I dig it. 

Love Moves First. 

Sometimes that first move is out the door to find those who also believe that love must lead in order to make a difference.

Love y’all…