Don’t Give Up Before the Miracle Happens

Today is day 45. It’s the 45th day of social distancing. It’s the 45th day away from our jobs and our schools. It’s the 45th day of this new way of living and as much as I try to put a positive spin on it, I am done with this.

I think many of us are feeling this way. We long to hug our loved ones. We want to comfort our friends who are grieving. We feel helpless as we watch the people we care about go through unimaginable struggle and all we can do is offer words of comfort or make a porch drop off of a meal.

First, I see you. The creative ways you are offering comfort and love and support are seen and felt. The people you care for feel it. They know you are there.

Second, please don’t stop doing that. We need people to make those calls, to check in on our friends, particularly if they may be feeling lonely or going through loss. We need to keep doing those small gestures, like a coffee left on a front porch. Those things make all the difference in the world.

We want so desperately to get back to something that looks normal. And we will. But let’s not give up yet. We are, collectively, engaged in an amazing demonstration of the best of humanity. We are caring for one another by staying home. We are saving our most vulnerable by enduring some emotional discomfort. It is truly beautiful.

To those who may be reading this who are struggling with isolation, you are not alone. If you can, please reach out to a friend or a loved one. If you can’t, reach out to me. I will offer a sympathetic ear. This is a hard time to be on your own. But you are not alone. The world is isolating. The world has a better understanding of what you are feeling. If you are in need of anything – food, diapers for your babies, a friend to listen – tell someone. Tell me. I will do everything I can to make sure you have what you need. No questions asked.

If you know someone who might be struggling, who might be alone, who might be grieving, please reach out to them. We all need to support one another so we can keep doing what is right. We never know what people are dealing with.

Stay home. Stay safe. Reach out. Be well. Don’t give up before the miracle happens.