On Spring Break, Indians, and rain

By: Toni Walker

Editor of The Steel Country Bee

news@steelcountrybee.com

This last week has been an interesting one, to say the least. On what has been my children’s spring break from school, I have been down one child, almost floated away, seen one of the strongest women I know be reduced to a hospital bed, and seen multiple communities rally around an area team vying for a championship. Wow! Talk about the whole gambit of emotions. Let me elaborate.

Spring Break: kids and teachers everywhere love it, and parents, at least by Wednesday, loathe it. Most of you, by now, probably know that I have three children. So to say that I was down one this past week, well, that may confuse some of you. At least, it might confuse anyone who never spent a week at their grandparent’s without mom or dad, or siblings. My middle daughter, Rachael, has been at my mother’s for the week, doing the same sorts of things I did with my grandmother growing up. She has helped mom in the office, watched movies, and even attended a Daffodil festival. I did really good with her being gone, right up until Thursday morning, when I yelled for her to start waking up. It’s funny how much our children become a part of our lives, even in their absence.

On Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, the storms rolled into our neck of the woods. I know it was technically Wednesday morning, because , as soon as the thunder started rolling, our king size bed became full with two kids and dachshund, all of whom feel the need to be right up against me, especially during bad weather! I didn’t mind it though, because I know that, before too long, my kids will no longer be scared of storms, and I will miss that. Through the torrential downpours, (which you can read more about elsewhere in this week’s edition), there was not too much damage in our area. I also got to hear a really cool story about some good Samaritans. (Yes, you can also find that story in this edition, as well!)

The last part of the week was a true mixture of emotions. Learning that a dear friend and mentor is extremely sick and fighting a blood infection will take you to a deep pit where all you can do is pray. Then, to have an area team vying for a state championship, will pick you up and put you on the edge of your seat. The support that I have seen for the Avinger Indians from all the surrounding towns has made my heart swell. That, my friend is what high school sports should be about. They are kids, and to be playing in the biggest game of their lives, with supporters from all around the area, is huge, and an experience they will take with them for the rest of their lives. And, honestly, it is not unlike my dear friend who is so sick. People from all over the area are cheering for her, as well, as she fights whatever this infection is.

So, as I close out my week, and I prepare to spend some time with dear friends, I say this: Stay safe, and watch your footing in all this weather. Because, whether literally or figuratively, our lives are sweeter because of the storms that roll through. Cherish the great times, and remember, that it is not about the uniform worn, it’s about how we all play the game.