“The last few months, many of us have been reminded that life—and especially parenting—rarely goes according to plan, Michelle Obama wrote in her Mother’s Day greeting yesterday.”
Here’s what is interesting about that sentiment: Every family is affected. Money doesn’t get you a “pass” here. Where in the world you live doesn’t matter. EVERY family is affected by this pandemic.
Here’s what is interesting about that sentiment: Every family is affected. Money doesn’t get you a “pass” here. Where in the world you live doesn’t matter. EVERY family is affected by this pandemic.
Yes, the exact circumstances vary. Some mothers and fathers have been working tirelessly to get their families, workplaces, communities--and even our nation—through this crisis. Some parents have separated themselves from their families, because they are essential workers choosing to live apart from their kids and other family to keep them safe while they work to protect us from the virus.
Other parents are doing any work they can, just to buy groceries and pay bills. So many people are struggling with the basics of survival, looking at the unemployment numbers, a staggeringly large number of people fall into this crisis category.
For the mothers (and grandparents) privileged enough to live free from harm at home with their family, the pandemic provides a chance to witness milestones that might otherwise have been missed. To be close and present in ways impossible when the family is in constant motion. To reconnect with older children we’ve reluctantly and necessarily let go their own way.
In the midst of suffering, there is opportunity.
This is a difficult time for parents right now. They are being asked to play all roles in the village. Not only that, but the activities are gone. No outings, movies, birthday parties or swimming pools. Sports are cancelled. We’re stripped back to simple play, to forts and art projects, even board games, bikes, and long walks with the dogs. Popcorn and TV movies every night. Maybe ice cream afterwards.
Stop. Did you read that? Carefully? In the midst of suffering, there IS opportunity.
It’s your opportunity to make up for lost time.
It’s an opportunity for deep healing.
It’s an opportunity to look to what you want to make important in the future, going forward.
This is a difficult time for parents right now. They are being asked to play all roles in the village. Not only that, but the activities are gone. No outings, movies, birthday parties or swimming pools. Sports are cancelled. We’re stripped back to simple play, to forts and art projects, even board games, bikes, and long walks with the dogs. Popcorn and TV movies every night. Maybe ice cream afterwards.
Stop. Did you read that? Carefully? In the midst of suffering, there IS opportunity.
It’s your opportunity to make up for lost time.
It’s an opportunity for deep healing.
It’s an opportunity to look to what you want to make important in the future, going forward.
This seminal moment in our world history can have some profound effects in the near future. Among them are a renewed appreciation for science, a rekindled admiration for doctors and nurses, and a funding bonanza for health institutions such as the CDC, a once-mighty and now (especially under the current administration) woefully underfunded institution.
Our U.S. history shows that whatever rises to a level of national concern gets funding. I’m hoping that global health issues rise sky-high. Coronavirus is touching everyone, so what official won’t want to be prepared for the next outbreak?
Our U.S. history shows that whatever rises to a level of national concern gets funding. I’m hoping that global health issues rise sky-high. Coronavirus is touching everyone, so what official won’t want to be prepared for the next outbreak?
Angeles skyline --
without smog.
The earth has shown us, in less than 2 months, that this can be our future.
Hopefully, another reaction to this historical turning point will be a more urgent focus on curbing climate change. No one looking at the worldwide pictures of astonishingly clean air and water around the world can doubt human’s hand in pollution any longer.
Another realization hitting Americans across the economic spectrum is how globally interconnected the economies of all nations have become.
without smog.
The earth has shown us, in less than 2 months, that this can be our future.
Hopefully, another reaction to this historical turning point will be a more urgent focus on curbing climate change. No one looking at the worldwide pictures of astonishingly clean air and water around the world can doubt human’s hand in pollution any longer.
Another realization hitting Americans across the economic spectrum is how globally interconnected the economies of all nations have become.
That phone you’re holding or the car you’re driving may be designed or built in the U.S., but countless of its parts and circuitry were made in countries whose manufacturing plants are now at risk as governments order shutdowns.
U.S. manufacturing ultimately will have to find new ways to make products—and for who knows how long?
U.S. manufacturing ultimately will have to find new ways to make products—and for who knows how long?
Son Ian, Grandson Alex, and Woody.
I think these challenges all have a positive slant.
Yes, they will be difficult and sometimes painful.
But in the midst of suffering there is opportunity. Let’s find it.
Together.
From my home to yours~
Happy Belated Mother’s Day to you all, and especially to those mothers who are also essential workers. Your extraordinary efforts are so appreciated!
I think these challenges all have a positive slant.
Yes, they will be difficult and sometimes painful.
But in the midst of suffering there is opportunity. Let’s find it.
Together.
From my home to yours~
Happy Belated Mother’s Day to you all, and especially to those mothers who are also essential workers. Your extraordinary efforts are so appreciated!
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