Another day
A normal day
An abnormal day
My alarm clock, the baby
Tells me to get up
Get the milk bottle
He’s thirsty
And wants his blanket too
The blanket
Let’s go
It’s after five
Time to move
Get ready to leave the house
Checklist:
Bottle
Blanket
Diaper bag
Lunch
Coffee
Breakfast to eat in the car
Glasses
Shoes; make sure they match
Socks too
Coat
Hat for baby
Pretzels for teething
Sippy cup – check
All set
Turn on car and bring stuff out
Come back
Soon time to go
Baby and me
Drive him to daycare

Normal day
Abnormal day
Hostages still not home
Families still torn apart
Parents worry about their children
Fighting
Soldiers praying
Defending our country
People singing to hide their tears
Trying to be strong
While hearts are breaking

I sing in the car and cry
Get to daycare
Chat with the providers and laugh at his antics
Because he’s so cute
And wish them all a good day
See you later
On this normal day
Abnormal day

I’ve got to get to work
But first I go to the gym
To clear my head

Then hurry because I need to get to work on time
Drive through the gate
Park
Get inside before starting time
Clock in
Get upstairs prep
Run downstairs
Check how many students are here
Checklist:
Breakfast – check
Toileting – check
Attendance – check
Calendar time – check
Individual work – check
Make sure they have breaks – check
Gym – check
Snack – check
Morning circle and lesson – check
Make sure to give them another break – check
Mini money lesson – check
It’s time for lunch
On this normal abnormal day

While my students are at gym
I work on the report that was due the first of the month
Really need to get it submitted
But as I stare at the screen
I start crying
Can’t do this
So I pray again
For all my people
Thank Hashem again for all the good he has done
Because it’s there
Overshadowed by pain
But there nonetheless
In the singing, the prayers, the way people come through to help others
The hope that is growing amidst all the rubble
I tap into it
Breathe
Get back to the report
Because it’s due
Email it to my supervisor for review

Lunch
I have to eat
Make phone calls
Catnap
How can I sleep
With all this
But I need to rest
Soon it’s time to head back
Finish the school day
This normal day
Abnormal day
That is now everyday
Over and over