Tragedies in our midst

As Americans, we are optimistic and not used to seeing bombs explode but hear about these kinds of things in foreign lands, never expecting that they would find their way to our country or our town. It was such a shocking event therefore, when, at the end of the most quintessential celebration of human endeavor and international running and goodwill, The Boston Marathon, several bombs exploding and killed at least three people, wounded and maimed over a hundred. The wonderful response was empathy and helping and an overwhelming feeling of soldarity and love.
Having suffered through another senseless act of violence in Newtown on Dec. 14th, people were again in shock and horrified, but resolved to go into action against all odds. Runners who had just given their allin completing 26 miles were greeted with screaming, blood, and chaos, ,as they tried to get the victims into wheelchairs or medical tents or hospitals. It was compared to being on a war front.
Again, as with Newtown, people were wanting too know why. Was this an act of terror? Was it another desperate act by a mentally ill individual? Either way, we are forever changed in our innocence and our carefree way of thinking. So sad and senseless.

ESL 2013

Now that we are pushing through the new year equipped with digital capabilities via our iPads, teaching is enhanced incredibly and our imaginations are on fire with all kinds of new ideas for next year. We will see a large group of beginners and will greet another group whose level of English language proficiency is unknown. Planning becomes a guessing game, with only our experience this year as a guide. Change is  a thrilling process, no matter how awkward it may seem at times.