Everyone is here?

All fourteen of my students are here today for the first time in several weeks.  They seem to be recovering nicely from their various illness.  I am glad that they are all back in school and ready to learn.  Even though they all "belong" here, having one or two students absent can make a big difference in the dynamic of the group.  Also  having all of them here feels both like a wonderful gift and a challenge at the same time.  It is great that they are all here and over their sicknesses, but it is challenging at the same time because the room feels smaller and louder.