腦海中馬上浮現2008年在美國自助游學時的homestay，不曉得他們是否安好，
心情浮沉了幾日後，立刻找尋以前聯絡的資訊，寫信給Arleen。
當初就讀的語言學校ＮESE(New England School of Englsih) 也寄了幾封信給所有就讀過的學生隨時更新現況，讓我真切感受到美國人對於危機處理的明快和周延。
Dear Former NESE Students, NESE Representatives, Homestays, and Dormitory Managers:
As we all return to our former routines here in Boston, we are actually comforted by what used to annoy us: the unusually cold and lingering weather, the delayed transit system, the excess of traffic - and too much English homework. These small problems that used to irritate us are now the welcome signs of our lives returning to normal.
At NESE, all of our current NESE students are staff are doing well - and I do mean all. The one student is who was wounded by the blasts is in fact well enough to return to NESE, and we are all delighted by this news.
Students are taking advantage of the extended classes we are holding in order to compensate for last Friday's cancellation. We are also offering free after-school sessions for those students who wish to have even further time in class with teachers.
We have also hired a security guard to stay at NESE every day this week from 8:30-5:30, not out of fear of violence, but to deter the press; they have been relentlessly annoying and invasive. All NESE students have a right to speak to the press if they wish - in their homes or on the street - but here at NESE, it is my job to protect our students as much as I possibly can, and having a security guard here certainly helps. However, I am pleased to say that the press have not visited us this week, and I truly doubt that they will. But, as we say, "It is better to be safe than sorry".
Students have also been advised that after the events of last week, it is very common for people to feel stressed, sad, and nervous for a period of time. We have reminded them that some people who experience these feelings decide to deal with them on their own. However, some prefer to talk to a professional counselor, and that there is not one right approach - except the approach that each student, himself, determines is best for him. We have reminded them that they should always feel free to talk to NESE teachers and staff. However additionally, we have let them know that if they would like to talk to a professional counselor, we can provide recommendations. Of course, we reminded them that any such request will be be held in the strictest confidence.
If there is anything good that has come out of the tragedy of last week it might be that it has helped us all remember what we have to be grateful for and in turn, allowed us to respond with gratitude to each other.
Most of us recognize much of the time that we have a great deal to be grateful for. However, it is very easy to get caught up in working towards a better career, a new goal, or solving the myriad of "problems" we all face every day. This tragic event has reminded us to take a step back and recognize what we have to be grateful for.
In truth however, recognition is not enough. There is a wonderful children's' book, "A Circle of Friends" by Giora Carmi, which in a simple, yet lovely way, demonstrates the benefits of behaving with kindness, warmth, and love. The truth is that our lives become more rewarding, more interesting actually, if we can always act with kindness, sympathy and with tolerance for others, and if we can always remember, "There but for the grace of God, go I".
At NESE's certificate ceremony this Friday, I will present every student, teacher, and staff with a copy of this book in recognition of and with gratitude for the kindness, sympathy, and tolerance they have all shown throughout this very difficult time.
I trust that my next communication with you will be more mundane - and I look forward to it.
Yours sincerely,
Anna Shine
Arleen也很快就回信，她字裡行間流露的溫暖與關懷，讀著信仿佛回到在美國時那充滿燈塔與娃娃的小白屋。
Dearest Nicole,
Of course I remember you. You all were an awesome group to have at my house in 2008. You girls were so funny and cute. I know you all had a great time here.
Yes, we are fine here in Watertown. Thank you for asking. Soldiers came to our house at 5:30 in the morning and checked our whole house to make sure that the bad guys were not hiding in our house. They did the same to every house within a 20 block perimeter. They were very nice and friendly and did not want to scare us but wanted to keep us safe. My sister stayed home with our students. We were in lockdown and could not leave our homes. No school at NESE that day!!
I knew I needed to get to my work place in Watertown to take care of the old people. The police said I could not go. I went anyway and got stopped by the police. I told them that I had to go to take care of the old people. They were not going to let me go but by the grace of God they told me to go to the next checkpoint and tell them my story. So I did that and had to go to 4 checkpoints but I finally drove into the street that my work is on and they let me go. Everyone else at work tried to get to work but no one could get there except me. Thank God I was able to take care of my darlings. I had 50 elderly people to take care of with only one aide and one kitchen server. The tree of cooked three meals during the day and we served them. We gave everyone their medications, and entertained them all day so they would not be fearful. We had a wonderful day even though the events of the day were so horrible. The police lifted the lockdown at about 7;00pm. I had been at work since 5:30 in the morning. It was a long day. Thank God it is over and the terrorists have been aprehended. One dead, one in custody.
Hope you are doing well. I am glad to hear now that you are a teacher in Senior high school. Tell your students that you American "Mom" says hello.
Love,
Arleen
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