How about some good news?
In the midst of this difficulty and struggle, there have been some positive things. First and foremost, we have a deeper appreciation for people that we often take for granted. Obviously, we are grateful for doctors, nurses, paramedics and everyone who staffs a hospital. I think about how exhausting it is to keep my little space, my hands and countertops especially clean and germ/virus free. It seems like on multiple occasions a day, I am scrubbing for surgery. If you are a health care provider of any sort: Take a bow!
Be careful, too. Then we have the people we really take for granted: truck drivers, grocers, farmers, electrical workers and on and on. We have lived without hockey and baseball and basketball (although we don’t like it). We couldn’t make it very far without these people. Take a bow!
I personally have developed a deeper appreciation for this parish. One of the projects that I took on was to do a video of all the first communicants (whenever that may be…). Each student was more adorable than the next. It gave me time to know their names and think about the families they have come from. What great kids. I miss all the school kids. I miss seeing people at Mass. I really appreciate Holy!
One of the things I am trying to do in the midst of this is call everyone to see how they are doing. That has been a real joy. I have talked to people I might not have had the opportunity to talk to, to hear their stories. I am also grateful for our new Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Laurie Medley. She comes highly recommended and I could tell right off the bat that she would make a great part of our team. Replacing Pat is no small task, but as restrictions about moving are lifted (hopefully) I hope you get to know her. We lucked out, again!
Lastly, we are becoming aware of the things that we really don’t need. (We are keeping the internet!) This time has
given many of us the opportunity to focus on the important things in life: family, learning, tasting a good meal, sleep. I
hope we do not go back to business as usual with this.
My mantra through this whole time has been a simple one: Hang in there. Take some time this week to call a family
member, a friend or a neighbor. Check on them and let them know you are thinking about them, praying for them and
will be there for them if they need anything.
Father Kevin