Hang in there

The picture you see is a belated birthday gift from my brother, Dan. He made the shelf and put the yogi statue with it. This is part of a tradition I started when each of my  brothers turned 60. I made them each a sweater and was so surprised when Dan told me he was making me a gift for my 60th. It arrived just after we were told to stay home and everything was being cancelled. Even though we live in different states, this gift is sort of a symbol of the bond that exists.

I hope you reach out and reconnect,  provide support, and maybe find something to laugh about, even when there is so much uncertainty. Knowing others are there for you, going through some of the same things can be a comfort. Even though you may be physically alone you still have connections.  

I have been trying to reconnect with people I have not contacted in a while by email.  Facebook is nice but sometimes you just want to make the conversation a little more personal and provide a safe space to share.  My family is scattered all over the country. We have regular reunions and one is supposed to be this July. No matter what happens with the reunion I know that there is a group of people who are pulling for me. 

My students, who I have come to know over the years, have been in contact.  I like to keep track of what they are up to, and have done some online classes with them.  It is great to see that even if we are not in the same room, or even the same state, we can see each other and talk to each other. Short of actually being in the same room, it is the next best thing. So many of us are feeling the impact of social isolation. 

It is so often true that you do not know what you had until it is taken from you. Things we took for granted are now very important. Money is important only for the security it provides in being able to pay the bills. People and connections are the only thing that really matter. The current state of events makes that clear.  

Those nurses and doctors out there provide care for the sick and all the essential workers doing what needs to be done. They are keeping all of us safe and provide the things we need, like food and necessary items.  Keep them in mind and do what you can to support them if you can.

Recent blog posts