Winter can be a season of beauty, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. This winter has been particularly tough for me, and I want to share my experiences with you. Whether it’s dealing with illness or finding moments of joy in daily life, these experiences have taught me a lot. I hope that by sharing my story, I can connect with you and offer some comfort and understanding. 

The Beginning of January: A Rough Start

At the start of January, just after New Year’s, my husband became quite ill with a digestive infection. It was challenging to see him unwell, and convincing him to visit the doctor was not easy. But we knew it was important for his health.

Caring for Karin: A Learning Experience

Around six days into January, my dog, Karin, who many of my students see during our lessons, became ill with pancreatitis. This condition made her quite sick for about three weeks. Caring for her felt similar to taking care of a newborn baby. I had to make sure she could eat small meals, go to the bathroom, and adjust her diet.

One of the most unexpected challenges was dealing with the changing sleeping patterns. I found myself having to wake up many times during the night to care for her, which left me feeling exhausted all the time. It was a learning experience in patience and adaptability.

Finding Solace in Teaching

During this difficult period, teaching my lessons provided a much-needed sense of normalcy and relaxation. Despite the exhaustion and challenges at home, I always looked forward to seeing my students. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn brought me a sense of joy and comfort, even on the toughest days. Teaching became a therapeutic escape, helping me stay connected to something I love and maintain a routine.

Embracing Resilience

This winter has taught me the importance of resilience and support. Even in the face of challenges, finding small moments of joy and leaning on support systems can make a significant difference. I encourage you to embrace resilience in your own life, finding strength in the support of others and the small victories along the way.

Vocabulary Sheet

1.Illness (noun) - A condition of being unwell or sick.

•Example: He was unable to attend work due to his illness.

2.Convincing (verb) - Persuading someone to do something.

•Example: She was convincing her friend to join the trip.

3.Pancreatitis (noun) - Inflammation of the pancreas, causing pain and digestion issues.

•Example: The dog was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

4.Caregiving (noun) - The act of providing care for someone who is sick or in need.

•Example: Caregiving for an elderly pet can be challenging.

5.Resilience (noun) - The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

•Example: Her resilience helped her through tough times.

6.Support (noun) - Assistance or help provided to someone.

•Example: She relied on the support of her friends.

**Come have a chat with me about your winter so far . **