Hope in the Word "Will"

Wow! 2020 is definitely not what I would have imagined. We lost another family member in January, which is why I took another hiatus from this little ol’ blog. Earlier this month marked the one-year anniversary of losing dad. It takes time to process your grief, thoughts, and feelings. Now we all are bombarded by a world-wide crisis with the coronavirus. Everyone I know has been affected in some way or another. Our kids are home on two weeks of spring break, then most likely we will delve into the world of online learning. Personally, I am not looking forward to online learning with a 7th & 5th grader. My workplace is shut down for at least two weeks, maybe more. Hubby’s workplace is still open for now. The kiddos and I are housebound excepted for pre-scheduled doctor’s appointments. Hubby has been going to the store for us and taking supplies to my 91-year-old grandma, as needed.

All of this can be overwhelming. Some people are handling it well, and others are really struggling. Thankfully with the hurtles we have experienced in our lives, we are doing pretty good with the isolation. Our goal is to stay well during this time. As a special needs family, we have had to become pretty resilient. Things aren’t going to work out the way you have planned. As a special needs parent, sometimes you have to make very fast changes in the blink of an eye. You need to be quick on your feet and don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s hard to face change, but you will survive. We had to do the social distancing two years ago when I was going through my cancer stuff. The kids had to deal with not leaving the house except for school, they only got to hang out with family, and they did not have their birthday parties, because I couldn’t get sick. We made it through, and they survived. The bottom line is you will survive.

It will not hurt us all to stay home. It will teach us to slow down. It will teach us to appreciate what we have. It will allow us to spend quality time with those with love. It will teach us compassion. It will teach us the lost art of talking on the phone and writing letters. We will notice the small things. We will take time to savor our food. We will have a chance to rest and recharge. We will count our blessings.

In this time of uncertainty and the unknown, we need to show compassion and love to those around us. Here are some ways you can help your families, friends, and neighbors:

• Pick up the phone. Call and check on family and friends. Call and check on those who live by themselves. Take time to reach out.
• Give cheer through text. If you have family or friends in the thick of the coronavirus mania, let them know that you are thinking of them. Text them something to brighten their day.
• Volunteer to make a supply run. If you are not at high risk and feel comfortable doing so, make a supply run for someone that is not able to do so at this time. You can leave the groceries at the door or on a porch. It is possible to navigate that 6-foot distance, while still helping out.
• Get outside. If someone is unable to get out and their yard is full of sticks, with their permission volunteer to help gather them into a pile or bag them up.
• Write letters. Many people over the age of 60 enjoy writing and receiving handwritten letters. So write a letter. Have the kids create artwork. You could even include a book of stamps, so they can write you back.

Don’t forget your own mental health. Here are some ways to come out on top in the next few weeks or even months:

• Create a daily gratitude list. What happened today that you are thankful for? What made you smile today?
• Post quotes where you will see them. One of my favorites: “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.” (author unknown)
• Listen to music. Dance around while you cook or clean. Have a group dance with your kids.
• Play games with the family. We have played Trouble (the Minion version) and Clue this week.
• Read a book. Books have the power to transport you, so escape for a little while.
• Faith break. No matter what you believe, take time to focus on the higher power in your life. Read verses, meditate, or practice mindfulness. My favorite Bible verse is “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Romans 11:33
• Get outside. Take a walk with your family or pet. Look for spring wildflowers. Do a scavenger hunt. Take photos of nature.
• Make comfort food. What food do you look forward to eating or drinking? What is a rare treat that would brighten your day? Right now, my comfort food is a glass of cold vanilla almond milk. My kids love the rare treat of making and eating chocolate chip banana bread.
• Get dressed and smile. If you are staying home, make sure to get dressed each day. Even if you live alone, you can smile and make funny faces at yourself in a mirror. Have fun! You will be happier for it.
• Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps to keep us healthy and helps us to find the blessings in life.

Stay well, my friends. And remember you will get through this hurtle of life.