A Dhaoine Uaisle
It was a real setback when the 3rd lockdown came. Many of you have become anxious, fearful, enduring mood swings and depression, which is understandable. It is important to acknowledge our worries and to talk about them and at the same time not to dwell on them too long. We must try to have courage and hope going forward. Let us not lose heart now.
Amanda Gorman in her inspiring poem, “The Hill we Climb” which she eloquently recited at President Joe Biden’s inauguration posed the question, “Can we find light in this ever-ending shade?” At present we are experiencing the shade in every aspect of everyday living. But can we find the light in this ever-ending shade? Is féidir linn.
Hope and love becomes our inspiration. We are not on our own. In the midst of darkness, the Lord is with us. Let us care and connect and move forward together with a spring in our step, joy in our hearts and embrace the new world we find ourselves in. We will find the light in the shade. Cling to what is good and true. We need courage and strength for what lies ahead. The darkest hour is just before the dawn.
Keep active. Keep steady. Keep strong. Indoors and out. The more you move the better the mood.
What should I do if I am having a bad day you might ask? Frances Weir, Occupational Therapist says: “Keep your daily routine, stay active, mind your mood, switch off and stay connected are all great strategies to keep well during this difficult time.”
Maybe it is better to look at life in phases, each with something new to offer, so that we are always looking forward to future possibilities rather than looking back to the last memory. Let us practise gratitude for the good things that happen each day. Write them down if it helps. Gratitude is a remedy for anger. Don’t strive for perfection, be patient and kind to yourself. Don’t lean too heavily into the future as we can overlook the joy of today. All life is precious. You can remember someone when you don’t have the strength to help them in another way, ciallmhar i gconaí maidir leis an mbealach is fearr le tú féin a choinneáil sábháilte, is cuma cá bhfuil tú, ceard atá ar siúl agat nó cé atá in éineacht leat. As the late Seamus Heaney said: “If we winter this out, we can summer anywhere.” Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart to understand. When you feel low do something to lift your spirits.
Let us care and connect through acts of kindness and compassion.
Bí
Beannachtaí Dé libh go léir.
Mary Kyne, RTAI President
February 2021
Death of Esteemed Members
We have been informed of the death of Mrs. Maureen Kelly nee Power. She taught in St. Savious’s NS for many years. To her family and friends we offer our deepest condolences’. She will be fondly remembered by her family, her former pupils and colleagues and her many friends in the Waterford branch of the RTAI. Suaimhneas siorai da hanam.
It is with deep regret that we learn of the death of May McCarthy, “Rosemount” Cork Road, Waterford. May had a long and inspirational career teaching in Mount Sion and St.Paul’s NS, Lisduggan. She will be remembered for her warmth, humour and her abilities as a classroom teacher and a principal. We offer our sympathy to her family at this difficult time. Ar dheis De go raibh si.
