It has been a minute since my last blog, but like everyone else, I have been struggling with the times. Some days have been good while others have been bad. I miss my life, but understand that given the circumstances, certain choices need to be made, and I am sure, like many others, some days are more of a struggle than others.
There have been days where I struggled to get out of bed, and yet I went to work. I needed some “normalcy,” even though the kids are not there. I send cards, texts, and make phone calls to touch base with friends. Hoping to perk them up, but also looking for some positive vibes in return especially since meeting up at the pub is not an option.
And yet during these difficult times a little shrine has arisen in my kitchen. One that says “Make Today Amazing…”I look at it every day, with my calendar, and newly acquired cards or inspiring quotes and pictures. And selfishly I realize that this turns my daily perspective encouraging me to look for the silver lining of the day.
I am lucky, I have a job, a home and food for my table. I can and have seen friends in a socially thought-out way. I am also aware that I have had to make choices. For the first time in 33 years, Thanksgiving is just the 3 of us and most likely Christmas will be the same. I have turned down going to special events while others have been cancelled for me. I miss just running out to have coffee with a friend our having a house full of people.
And yet, despite the “blue” days, there are things I can appreciate. The joy of being able to volunteer at a beloved site although I couldn’t re-enact. Sitting outdoors in the warmer weather with friends for dinner, re-connecting with family through the interweb by sharing a family genealogy. Taking walks, reading books, cooking lavish food and facetiming those I love and can’t be with.
This has been a difficult time for everyone. My days of struggles are balanced with sending and receiving cards, making memories with friends in a COVID appropriate way, and collecting mementos from the few scattered events I’ve attended before the long winter ahead.
And yet for all my struggles, I continue to be optimistic that things will improve. I hold out hope that people with do their part and I will be able to visit Ireland, go to Maine, leave home without a mask, enjoy my life once again.
Just remember we are all struggling in our own way and just because this texter, this writer, this glass half full girl seems to be doing ok, she is like everyone else, she has her struggles, but one small glance at a kitchen wall on the way out the door, reminds her to make today amazing…
