Getting to the Starting Line- Adventure into some Unknown and Known

All adventures start with the first step, Eh!

I can still picture myself sitting on Highway 61. North of Duluth with 6000+ of my best friends. The 4 from Thunder Bay ending each sentence with "Eh".

Getting ready to stand up and head to that starting line of Grandma's Marathon. Putting our best foot forward. Just  26+ miles until beautiful Duluth harbor and the end line. That first step was going to be followed by many more, eh!

Marathon and COVID-19? What do they have in common? Where are they different?

• We can't run away from this one.
• being in crowds is not good for this one. 
• Both take preparation. Preparation for instructional continuity as well as caring for the well-being of our students, our families, and equally important- our selves.
• There will be surprises. 
• Can you imagine someone running a marathon with his back aimed at the finish line? (Seen it) A week ago could you imagine not getting your haircut (feel fortunate that you have that challenge)? Or that you might not see your current students, seated in front of you? Crazy to imagine. There will be more surprises. How we react to them will be crucial. We cannot control everything on this adventure but we can control our reactions to it.
• Accept help and seek help when needed.
• Thank goodness for the folks handing out water and vaseline. (One for inside, other for outside). In this crisis we are here for you and your students. Call, email, Zoom. 
• Share what helped you.
• Keep the finish line in sight. 
• Forces will attempt to pull in many directions. There will be a finish line in this challenge. Seeing it now is the same as trying to see a finish line 26 miles away. It's there. Trust me. Just hard to see from here.
• There will be time to celebrate, just not now in groups larger than 10.
• We will be tired but I don't think too tired. This crisis is a big one. Might be the biggest some of us have faced.  
• What would a celebration of March Madness, Ides of March, Pi Day, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo and more be called? (What da got?)  Can't wait to know the name, date, place, time. You're all invited.