Yet ... here I am hiding in the tub with a glass of wine wondering if maybe when I come out it will be over.
Most days I don't feel very grown-up. I'm worried about finances (I'm a musician and half our income each year comes from that) so I'm baking and taking on more author work to supplement our income. I'm worried about the elderly - so I'm shopping for people and leaving groceries on porches. I'm worried about my family and their health (physically and emotionally) - my mother usually sees the children several times a week and it's been 3 weeks since she last held the baby on her lap for a nap. My husband says I wake up in the middle of the night scared saying things like:
"I gave it to all of them - Ken warned me"
I internalize things. My friends and family see my humorous posts about being the new gym teacher, hairdresser, etc... and inside, I'm wondering if I remembered to sanitize my phone before lunch. My hands bleed from the excessive hand washing, and I keep counting the jars of vegetables to make sure no one will go without.
I know on a certain level we are all feeling this. We are all trying to do our best under some very trying circumstances. I want you to know I see you. I feel you. I'm on your side.
The ONLY thing keeping me smiling right now is doing what Daddy taught me. I'm looking for the helpers. I see the man from Koeppel Concrete who donated gift cards to healthcare workers to purchase scrubs from the local small business Working Man's Friend. I see the woman who is on furlough who is helping at the local Festival Foods making sure shelves are stocked. I see the nurse who works tirelessly with the elderly and during her time off cares for her special needs son while also sewing masks for fellow healthcare workers. I see the teachers juggling their own children while putting together online lessons for their students. I see restaurants making deliveries and donations to healthcare workers. I've always seen you - but right now I NEED to see you. I've been posting on social media asking people to tell me about the amazing acts of kindness they see each day.
With so much sadness and fear in our world right now, we need to thank the helpers, but more importantly we need to see them. We need to hear about them. There are so many ways to help right now - and new ideas are popping up every day. Big or small, your help is bringing a smile to more than just one person. Keep helping and please know we are seeing you!
Thanks for listening - I struggled with this post - and now can you do me a favor? Leave a comment about something you've done, something you've seen, something you plan to do that will help someone else? These stories help me get through each and every day - you have no idea! THANK YOU <3 p="">
Hugs (hopefully in real life again someday),
~Crystal
You can find Crystal milking cows, riding horses, and riding unicorns (not at the same time), taking the ordinary and giving it a little extra (making it extraordinary), blogging and reviewing books here, and at her personal blog - Crystal is dedicated to turning life's lemons into lemonade and she has never (not once) been accused of being normal!
4 comments:
I retired in 2013 after 34 years with American Airlines. I was in reservations during 9/11. Now, I am back at work for a local grocery store chain and, once again, considered an 'essential worker'. I work the Front Office, as well as, shopping for our 'to-go' online grocery shopping service. We are a pick-up service and deliver it to your car when you arrive.
I try and find humor in what is going on. Yesterday, I assisted a shopper in finding the whipped cream and we both giggled, denying we stood in the door of the fridge and squirted whipped cream directly into our mouths.
I try and find a way to smile and laugh during these times. And I am finding it is returned. One of our to-go customers delivered 8 large pizzas as a thank you when she came to pick up her order.
I am currently living with my oldest daughter and son-in-law. All of us are gamers and right now, my daughter and I are playing Animal Crossing with what seems like half the world. One night we were in the same room together and my actions in the game got up laughing...to the point we were crying.
So laughter, in my case, is the best medicine.
I agree with Judy. Laughter is so important.
I've been impressed with the authors/illustrators and publishers making material available for young learners. For example, Abdo Publishing has made their ebooks available for free through June. Mo Willems has drawing classes for picture book fans up on YouTube.
The offerings are inspirational and impressive!
--SueBE
My friend manages home healthcare nurses, and they are struggling right now to find enough protective equipment. She asked us all to make cards and signs for them to send with any Clorox Wipes and stuff they could find. So one day Katie and I made a bunch of thank you cards and mailed them to my friend to include for the nurses.
I so related to this post, joking and internalizing the fear while really feeling like I'm living in a Stephen King novel. Being seniors and trying to avoid burdening the medical system. Westrictly observing social distancing but we continue to check on people via email, FB, and phone calls. We've asked the weekly cleaning lady not to come in but we are still paying her. I'm checking in on a young friend who's an ER nurse and on another who might be struggling with cut work hours. We will try to help where we can and share what we have with those in need. Stay well everyone.
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