Houses are Filled with Water, but Hearts are Filled with Love
Healing Hearts for Harvey's Kids
Elementary School Year #36 - Here we go!
Mortensen Elementary School Staff 2017-2018 |
Hello Elementary Friends,
Starting year #36 is in the books! Wow - it is hard to believe how fast time goes by. I am in my 10th year in Jeffco and at Mortensen Elementary School. Someone asked me the other day if I am planning to retire soon. I immediately asked if the thought was "out there" that perhaps I should start thinking about it. Quickly the answer was "No!" Several of my 55-65 year old educator friends are already enjoying retirement, and I will look forward to that day in the future. How far in the future is still distant for me because in many ways I feel like I am just getting started. I am still learning and growing each year, and as long as I am enjoying what I do and - more importantly, that I remain a notch above "effective," then I will continue to do what I can to affect our future. I have encouraged many of my colleagues to promise me that they will tell me when it is time.
I am certainly my grandmother, Evelyn Dague's granddaughter in that regard. At around age 75 she was still teaching kindergarten in Harlingen, Texas. One day she called my mother in tears telling her that the headmaster of her school came to her room and shared the good news that the school community was so pleased to host a retirement reception for her in a couple weeks. My mom said, "Well, Mother - that is so nice - you should be honored and happy." In between sobs, Grandma replied, "But, I hadn't told anyone that I was planning to retire." At that point my mother gently asked, "Mother - do you think that you would have ever committed to retirement on your own?" My sweet Grandma then had to admit that she probably would not have. I hope that I am able to tell when it is time and not have someone else decide for me, but you never know!
My Office Staff - Love these friends!
"Houses are filled with water, but hearts are filled with love." Madeline Ranum
Third Grader at Mortensen Elementary School - Littleton, Colorado
As school has started this year, I have been a bit distracted by Hurricane Harvey and the destruction in southeast Texas. Mitch's parents, Joyce and Lee Falcon had significant flooding and were forced to evacuate their home on Monday, August 29th. At 85 years old that is not something you think would be in the cards - especially having lived in the house for 47 years! Their home had been amazingly water tight through many other devastating hurricanes and storms over the years, so they just knew the same would hold true. At around 6:00 pm Joyce called Mitch to tell him that water was starting to leak in through the sliding glass door. Within an hour it had flooded the entire house and would only get worse through the next two days. Thankfully they were able to go to Lee's daughter Mollie's home which is nearby and built up on blocks. An unfathomable 50 inches of rain fell within 4 days time literally drowning any structure or vehicle within its path. Roads into their small hometown, Winnie, Texas, were closed as they waited for the water to subside. As soon as possible Mitch's sister Lori and Lee's son, Lynn made their way into town on Friday (9/1) and with grandson, Colby and others they started the job of pulling out carpet and cutting sheet rock up about half-way between the floor and ceiling. When Joyce and Lee were finally able to go to the house on Saturday morning, it was almost unrecognizable. A mixture of emotions made their way into everyone in individual ways. They are shocked and in disbelief, but through it all, they realize that they have much to be thankful for. They made it out safely, and they have flood insurance which so many people do not have. They will have much work ahead, but they also have so many who care for them, and will be there for them every step of the way. Mitch flew to Houston today (9/4) and will be there for at least a couple weeks as the rebuilding starts. His primary job will be to help his mother remain calm and focused on the tasks ahead.
It did not surprise me one bit when my school community here in Colorado found out about my "in-laws"situation, they wanted to help! Children wrote letters to Mr. and Mrs. Falcon! Here are a few examples that reveal their wishes:
The letters have been hand delivered by Mitch to his mother today. I am hopeful that they will bring a smile to know that so many care for her.
In addition, the third graders at Mortensen decided that they wanted to do something for the children in the Winnie area who have had their brand new school supplies damaged or destroyed. Leave it up to children to come up with such a simple, yet powerful way to show support and care to the students in Chambers County, Texas! Here is flyer that is going home tomorrow (5th):
So - any Denver friends who would like to join us in this endeavor, just bring supplies by the school prior to September 15th, and we will make sure that they go to children in need in Southeast Texas!
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