After
an entire week at home, I went for a walk at the beach today. A friend allowed
me to park on her property so that I could safely, following social distancing rules,
spend some time in nature, take a walk on the beach. Words cannot express how
much I needed the time outside. Time to feel the sun on my skin, breathe in the
salty air, hear the waves crashing against the shore. Time to take in nature.
In
the past few weeks, we’ve seen headlines about a global pandemic, about
requirements to shelter at home throughout the United States, about quarantines
and lockdowns throughout the world. And at the beginning of this month, Florida’s
governor enacted a stay at home law, and last week, the White House Covid-19 Coordinator
advised the nation to even avoid the grocery stores if possible. Such a strange
world we've stumbled upon. Between the headlines and posts on social media, like
many others, I am feeling scared. I spent the past week at home alone where I
only left the house for a quick walk around the lake. A week at home where I
had groceries delivered. A week at home with only my cats and an occasional
visit from Alaina.
The
only thing that has kept me sane during this whole ordeal and this past week of
even stricter seclusion is the kindness of others, and I am so grateful for it.
I
am grateful for my friend who invited me to park on her property so that I
could take a walk on the beach today and who dropped off a surprise gift a week
ago. I am grateful for conversations with my sisters, cousin, daughters, and
friends on the phone, Messenger video chat, and Zoom. I am grateful for collaboration
with a friend during this pandemic where we are helping each other with our
writing. I am thankful to the friend who invited me to use her private pool so
that I could swim. I appreciate my sister sending me one of my favorite meals
via UberEATS when I was having a difficult time. I am grateful for my students
who are continuing to learn and complete their work even through the move to online
classes. I am so thankful that I am privileged to be able to work from home and
continue earning a living during this pandemic. I appreciate that I can pay my bills
and order food when needed. I am thankful for the peace and solace of nature,
for sunshine, for the ocean. This Easter, I am grateful for the love of Jesus
who sacrificed and gave His life for us and for what this holiday celebrates: that
He is risen. 
I
wish that Mom were still here on this earth, but I am thankful that I know Mom
is with Him now. Today at the beach, I found a rock with a hole in it (one
thing that Mom collected during her life), and I am grateful for the reminder of
Mom and the reminder that she lives on in those who come from her and in the
memory of those who love her.
Ultimately,
I am grateful that, even during these troubled times, I have so much to be
grateful for. Thank you to all of you whose kindness lifted my spirits during
the past month. Happy Easter!
