A rainbow after the storm

I have started first grade twice this year. Twice. Once on August 16th. Then again, post Harvey, on September 11th. Hurricane Harvey was a beast. A beast that brought devastation to the Houston area. A monster that left some of my kiddos and a few of my fellow teachers with flooded homes and heavy hearts. But they always say that after every storm is a rainbow. After the storm the Houston area came together like I have never seen before. Neighbors were helping neighbors, strangers offered helping hands - it was truly a beautiful thing to see. After the storm, I felt helpless. I wanted to be out there - giving a hand to those in need. I'm not exactly a skilled handyman  woman, but I knew I needed to help. I got out and volunteered at a local shelter. It felt good to do something. But my heart still ached, I felt as if I should be doing more. Weeks have passed and the city of Houston has gone back to normal. School has resumed, business are open, and the roads are busy again. Yet, there are still thousands of families who can't go back home and my heart still hurts. Those first few post-Harvey days were filled with stories of strangers showering kindness on each other but now, somehow that sense of camaraderie has started to fade. That's when I realized how to help. My goal this year is to show my first graders how to be kind. My mission will be to help these kiddos understand that above else kindness is the most important thing we can do for one another. So, this year I challenge you - teach kindness. Show kindness. Just, be kind. Be the rainbow after the storm for someone.