We Only Get What We Give

Happy Thursday Everyone!  

Today was a busy day, and though I started my blog, I didn't get it finished before 2:30 dismissal.  So here it is, 4:00 and I am sitting at my dining room table at home finishing today's post.  I wanted to make sure that today's installment got finished because there was so much that happened yesterday that I needed to process it.  I needed to process it for myself and I needed to bring at least some of it back to you too.  If you watched the inauguration yesterday and experienced a moment that you felt was particularly poignant or important, I'd love to hear about what stood out for you.  For me, there were three particularly important moments.  

The first moment was the beautiful and inspiring poem written and read by Amanda Gorman, Poet Laureate.  You simply must watch it if you haven't already done so.  In fact, even if you heard it the first time, you should listen to it again because the message is so important.  


As you heard, the poem is powerful and impactful.  More importantly, it was written by a young person like yourself.  She and you have long futures as partners and participants in our democracy so I love that she reminds us that there is always light to be found in the darkness and that we can be that light if only we are brave enough to take the mantle.     


If we are brave enough to be it, then we will be a light for others to follow.  As always I challenge you to be the light!    

Another piece of the day that I loved was an old band getting back together to sing a song that is apparently a Biden family anthem.  I think it also connects to Gorman's poem, because in the song, the former New Radicals remind us that, "You Only Get What You Give."  It's kind of like Gorman's poem where she challenges us to be the light.  The New Radicals remind us that what we put into life is equal to what we will get out of it.  Put in positivity, you get positivity.  Give respect, get respect.  Throw kindness, reap it in return.  Be light, and feel it's warmth shine back on you.  You can check out the performance from the New Radicals here...


The last part of the day that really touched my heart was a young student who recited the words of John F. Kennedy, a former US President.  Watch the clip here at 7:18 of the Inauguration Special which aired last night.  Brayden Harrington, is an individual who has struggled with stuttering just as our new president did in his past.  During the campaign last year, Biden helped support Brayden by encouraging him and teaching him some tips for success.  (Harrington spoke at the Democratic National Convention last fall too!  You can see it here if you'd like to see his speech).  I literally cried with pride listening to Harrington recited Kennedy's words.  I just felt so happy that he has been seen and recognized for his work and his uniqueness.  

Recently, I made a post about inclusion, representation, and how important it is to feel seen.  Biden's message of inclusion throughout his inauguration day was so important for those with disabilities as it was for those lucky enough to live with out them.  We can't keep missing out on the voices of those who experience life in different ways just because it's the way it's always been.  The voices of those who are in the minority, BIPOC voices, LGBTQ+ voices, and voices of those with visible and invisible disabilities need to be heard loudly and consistently.    

As Amanda Gorman said, 

"We've learned that quiet isn't always peace

And the norms and notions
of what just is

Isn’t always just-ice..."      

I'll leave you with that...

Don't forget to let me know about your favorite moments...feel free to leave a comment below!

Be Well Cougars,

Mrs. Hempey   

   

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