Oh, 2022, I really wanted to welcome you, but the omicron-fueled dumpster fire that is burning all around us makes it virtually impossible to feel enthusiasm for a new year. What I really want to do is hunker down until the spring, but that is not likely. Our school district did make the safe and sane decision to start 2022 remotely. We have a two-week reprieve for now. That may be enough time to gather updates on how COVID is impacting our students and staff and wrap our minds around how we are going to implement the new and head-scratching CDC guidelines.
The pandemic feels like we are in a maze, trying desperately to get to the exit, but coming up against barrier after barrier to the point of exhaustion. There have been more times than I can count when I wanted to raise the white flag and surrender, but that is not an option either. Moving forward, whatever that looks like is our only choice.
Winter break came in the nick of time. It was such a huge relief to step away from the rising COVID cases that were swirling all around us, especially in those last few weeks of school. Time and space to decompress have rejuvenated my spirits, hopefully, enough to give me the fuel to keep going.
Heading into 2022 feels much like the comic pictured above. We are peeking around the corner, turning the calendar page into the new year from a distance. I love the sense of community that this comic depicts, one that school nurses represent. We have joined forces to support each other’s challenges. Even if it has been virtual, the support has helped immeasurably.
My hope for 2022 is that when we look back on this year we end it on a positive note. Imagine how we will feel if the pandemic has subsided and we have returned to school nursing without the weight of the world on our shoulders. I am going to hold onto that hope, even though at this moment I want to stay in bed with the covers over my head. Thank you to all of the readers of this blog who help motivate me to keep writing and sharing, especially during the past few years. Bring it on 2022, you can’t scare us, we are school nurses, relentless ones.
You keep is going! Thank you!
Hi Roz, Thank you for reaching out!
Thank you for your continued support and inspiration! Wishing you a very Healthy, Meaningful, Joyous, and Peaceful New Year!
Thank you so much Laura! I appreciate your message.