Good Morning Watershed Explorers,
I am reading the most outstanding book by Dr. Jane Goodall entitled Reason For Hope. In the acknowledgements she shares a story from a book that she read as a child where birds got together to have a competition to see who could fly the highest. In the story, the eagle (reminding me of the hare in the fable, Tortoise and the Hare) believes he can win. The eagle flies higher and higher, passing all the other birds, and finally, reaches the highest he can go. At that very moment, a jenny wren, who rode the eagle's back the entire time, pops out of the feathers and flies up to win. Dr. Goodall uses this story as a way to acknowledge all of the people who have been her eagle along the way. She credits many people, some close to her heart that acted as an eagle for most of her life, and some that she only met for minutes, who through a comment or a gesture provided a tiny lift that boosted her at that moment.
Like Dr. Goodall, we all have eagles. These are the people that carry us, inspire us, provide us with strength, and when the time is right, allow us to fly higher than we ever could have flown on our own. I wanted to reference this story today, because it reminds me of just how important it is that we lean on each other and provide strength to one another. During your distance learning, I am sure that there have been special people that have allowed you to keep flying. It might be your parents, or your teacher, an older sibling, a younger sibling, a grandparent, or maybe another caregiver. These are your eagles. Don't forget to make sure that they know just how special they are, and thank them for the ride in their feathers that has allowed you to reach the greatest heights. This will happen throughout your life. There will be many along the way that help to carry you when you need it the most. I truly encourage all of you to make sure that these people know just how much their inspiration and strength means to you.
Some of you may not know this, but you are my eagles. You have carried me through this entire pandemic. You keep me writing every day, and your work and emails have inspired me to continue my journey with nature, and share it with my own children. I can only hope, that I too, have been an eagle for you. Maybe there was a post that came at just the right time, or maybe seeing each other on a zoom chat inspired you to go out and enjoy the day. I will continue writing even after the school year has ended. I hope to keep bringing you fantastic posts with activities and links to great stories to keep you learning about and loving nature, watersheds, and clean water as much as I do.
I wanted to once again thank my Watershed Explorers at the Anna McCabe school. They have come through with some amazing pieces that I am going to share below. I am so appreciative of their hard work and dedication to their continued learning. I hope you enjoy their drawings, stories, and critter project slides. Thank you all again for providing a nice rest in your feathers, I truly wouldn't be flying as high if it wasn't for all of you!
I encourage all of the Watershed Explorers to send their work. I love showcasing your efforts.
Much love,
Mrs. Morissette