I hope you and your family are safe and sound at home right now. My Dad has been on my mind a lot lately. A little over two years ago, he died of the flu. Even though he’d dealt with a terminal illness for many years, his death felt untimely. Isn’t that true for the death of any loved one, regardless of the circumstances? There’s never enough time. You regret not spending more time together, what you should have done, what you could have done together. Life gets short real quick. There’s something about the time we’re in that’s reminiscent. 

Even though we will not be quarantined forever, there is a collective knowing that life will never be the same. I wish I’d had more time in the old world. I regret not enjoying it more.

Even with just a few weeks in quarantine, I’ve realized how much I took for granted. How much time I wasted complaining, or waiting for something to be perfect, or wanting something to be different. I look back only a year ago, or even a few months ago, and realize what a luxury it was to take a spontaneous day trip or simply deciding where to go for dinner. I realize now how wonderful those moments were, or could have been.

I also realize how much I took for granted that I’m now experiencing. Particularly, my home. How much I love and appreciate my home, my yard, the birds that visit, my neighborhood, the sunshine.

I realize that joy can be found in the small and mundane moments that I’d glossed over all those times trying to figure out where to go for dinner.

I don’t want to look back at this time and realize I took it for granted too. The luxury of not needing to be anywhere, but here. Being safe at home and knowing my loved ones are safe at home too. I heard one mom say, “At least I don’t have to worry about my child being unsafe at school now.” 

Although I resisted my dad dying, I now realize the timing of his death was a blessing. The same with my brother-in-law. Being able to attend a funeral in the company of family and friends is a gift that we will no longer take for granted.
 

What can you now see was a blessing in disguise? What did you take for granted? What makes sense now that didn’t a few weeks ago?
 

The world is in turmoil and yet it’s okay to find joy. In fact, it’s paramount. Your best day may be my worst day, and your worst day may be my best day. We celebrate, grieve, mourn, and laugh at different times, but also together.

I remember during my periods of grief, I would observe strangers laughing and enjoying life. It was like watching a foreign film without subtitles. They were holding space for those like myself. I was intrigued and knew I would return there one day. If you’re feeling alone or grieving during this time, I send you a big hug and hold space for your return.

Whether you’re laughing or crying, we’re in this together and we’ll get through it.