Friends, it has been a crazy ten days. A week and a half ago St. Paul Teachers called for a strike. Their requests were simple: a cap on class sizes, twenty minute recesses, mental health care for students and a living wage for para professionals. Should be easy, right? Not really. I spent ten days calling and emailing the superintendent of St Paul Schools, the school board, and various legislators. I texted and emailed teachers to let them know that whatever happened I had their backs. Last night we were down to the final hours. Teachers, the union, and mediators had been meeting all weekend, for over 50 hours. Still, the discussions continued. The marvelous Alissa came over the shooed Robert and me out for some dinner. We found ourselves a lovely Mexican restaurant and spent several hours there without phones, devices, social media, etc. We just focused on each other and the lovely food and ambience. For the first time in two years things felt vaguely normal. It was nice just to be off the clock.
On our return home my phone blew up. The strike had been averted and school would be held the next day. I was stunned, grateful, and amazed. All the stress of the last 10 days oozed out of me. It felt good.
Life is a funny mix of the good, the bad, and the absurd. In the last 10 days, I have been able to get the medication I needed at an affordable price. The strike has been averted. When Boo uses Sam to ask me if there is school tomorrow I can tell him yes and he will smile. My heart is with the Ukrainian people as they fight for what is right, for the freedom that is theirs. My dad, at the age of 81, is finally retiring as a neurologist. I cannot attend his retirement party, but I gave $400 in his name to Doctors Without Borders. Every day, I will pray and set an intention for peace. Love can overcome evil, if we all work together. This starts at home. Support your local teachers and front line workers. Do not gripe about the cost of gas, but be glad you have secure housing. Smile at people. Hold open doors. Give people grace. Be good humans. We will talk soon. Peace. Harriet.
Harriet's Hedgehogs and Autism Advocacy 