Parenthood
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Reflections From Loss

Reflections From Loss

Jordan Greenberg
August 30, 2023

Happy Wednesday,

Last week, I said goodbye to my grandmother. My final remaining grandparent. Although she lived a full and rich life, the void left by her passing is deeply felt. This past week has been a period of reflection for me. A time to come to terms with the loss and to appreciate the impact she had on my life.

One memory that has resonated with me is a lesson she imparted on me as a child, a lesson that, unbeknownst to me at the time, has shaped my character and guided my actions throughout my life.

My grandmother devoted her career to nurturing young minds as a kindergarten teacher. Her mantra, simple yet powerful, was 'T-R-Y, try.' As a kid, the phrase seemed trite and inconsequential, but as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that this seemingly simple directive has been a subtle yet guiding force in my life.

Now, as a parent, the importance of that message is magnified. I am acutely aware of my imperfections, but I am also committed to showing up, day in and day out, and giving my all in every role I occupy—be it as a father, a husband, or simply as a person navigating the world. Mistakes are inevitable, as are the occasional rebukes from my wife, but my resolve to try my best remains unwavering. It is my sincere hope that, as my daughter grows up, I can pass on this invaluable wisdom that my grandmother instilled in me.

My grandmother smiles at pictures of our little one during her final days

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One Big Idea

‘Back to school’ means anytime from late July to after Labor Day, depending on where in the U.S. you live

TIL there is a large variation in school start dates across the United States, which depends on a multitude of factors. Although about 70% of the 46.7 million public school students in the U.S. are back in class, there is significant regional variation. For example, schools in the southern regions tend to start earlier than those in the north. State laws, network effects, and the historical convergence of urban and rural school calendars all play a part in determining these start dates. Interestingly, the school calendar is not a relic of the nation's agrarian past, but a result of multiple factors, including pressure from education reformers, the high cost of keeping schools open year-round, and lower attendance in urban schools during the summer months.

Looking forward, climate change may introduce more variability in school start dates, particularly in regions where hotter temperatures necessitate adjustments in school schedules due to lack of air conditioning or other necessary infrastructures. This underscores the complexity of an issue that has evolved over time and may continue to change in response to emerging challenges. This highlights the need for a flexible and adaptive approach to school scheduling that takes into account regional differences and emerging challenges such as climate change.