Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope that this Bulletin finds you well.
As I did, I’m sure many of you spent yesterday watching the funeral of The Queen and sat in wonder at the planning and precision of every detail. The traditions, the pomp and the ceremony were truly spectacular. The minute details that had been so carefully thought about from the myrtle in the wreath to The Queen’s horse and corgi’s waiting for her to arrive home to Windsor Castle for the last time. I was so honoured to be able to watch the day unfold and pay my respects to a wonderful lady who has given so much in the past 70 years. There was so much to take in and so many memorable moments that I think I will be processing what we watched in the days, weeks and months to come. I hope now, that our new King and the rest of the Royal Family have some time to grieve in private, to remember the special and happy times and to be able to reflect in peace. I know she was a very remarkable lady to the nation and she holds a very dear place in our hearts but I also know that whatever she meant to us, she meant it many, many, many times over to her family.
As you know, I often rely on Winnie the Pooh in difficult situations. I find comfort and solace in the stories told about his adventures and he is one wise bear. I came across this story last night. I thought I would share. It is about grief, something we have or will have to deal with in our lives and I liked the way that this story explained the emotions that grief brings along with it. I hope you find comfort in it be it today, tomorrow or in the years to come.
And then, much later, Pooh and Piglet returned to a clearing in the Hundred Acre Wood where the tree had grown, tall and strong, until it had fallen – always there, until it was not- and everything seemed to change.
It was quiet here. Overhead was an azure blue sky, and the two friends walked together in reflective silence. Both felt the absence of the tree acutely; indeed, they pondered how the void left by grief can rage so powerfully and so fiercely as the life it has replaces.
After a time, they sat down on the forest floor, and saw, where beams of sunlight met the ground, new shoots of green, already finding their way towards the light. So much life, still to be found in the shadow of such loss.
Grief comes in many forms. Like the fingers of a flame, it can burn brightly: rush uncontrollably, simmer slowly; fade and burst back to life. It can be vast and it can be small; and it can be loud and it can be silent; and it can run as a tiny imperceptible undercurrent to our day to day life, whilst still holding the power to floor us at any moment.
And of course, what the falling of the great tree had done, was to remind Pooh and Piglet of all of those who they had personally loved and lost. All of that grief, because they too, had loved so much.
Pooh and Piglet sat for a while and let their grief flow freely around them. Sometimes, it is enough to do nothing at all; simply, to feel.
When it was time to go, they both stood, and, as one, bowed their heads.
“Rest peacefully now,” said Pooh. “Rest peacefully.”
Quote of the week: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Well-being tasks for this week: These are all based on self-care. These are good for all ages.
Tuesday 20 September – Enjoy photos from a time with happy memories
Wednesday 21 September – Don’t compare how you feel on the inside to how those appear on the outside
Thursday 22 September – Be still – listen and breathe
Friday 23 September – Let go of others expectations
Saturday 24 September – Accept yourself for who you are – you are truly wonderful
Sunday 25 September – Avoid saying ‘I should. . .’
Monday 26 September – Find a new way to use your strengths and talents
Jokes of the week:
As we are still in a period of national mourning as I write this, I will respectfully save my jokes for next week.
Sleeps til Santa: 95!
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to being back in school today
- I am looking forward to starting a new reading book (I need to try and not to fall asleep first!)
- I am looking forward to seeing my dad on Thursday
- I am grateful for the life and service of The Queen, for our British values and traditions
- I am grateful for our wonderful 90th anniversary celebrations last week
Have a lovely week and enjoy everything that you do,
With love,
Mrs Bennett
