As I typed the title for this post, I realize that this is probably a very common feeling these days. Not only are we in the middle of an international pandemic and struggling with a very strange “Back to School” season, here in the Bay Area, we are also facing wildfires and unsafe air. I do feel very lucky – my family is healthy, my husband and I both have our jobs, we have a house that is safe, and our kids are in a school that has invested significantly in making their distance learning successful. On the other hand, the one thing that keeps me sane during these tough times – going outdoors, whether for a walk or to meet friends for a socially distanced outdoor gathering- is not currently available due to the unsafe levels of wildfire smoke in the air. I also have a chronic back issue that has flared up over the past week.
I am also overwhelmed in a positive way by the creativity and ingenuity of people as we go into month 6 of this pandemic. My oldest daughter became Bat Mitzvah over zoom in May, and the response from family and friends was amazing. We’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries in unique ways. While we haven’t been able to travel as we have planned, we have enjoyed support new restaurants and local favorites. My newly found sister and I have become very close since we have connected – we’ve had several FaceTime chats and text each other several times a week.
I have so appreciated the messages I’ve received from you about how this blog has helped you to feel just a little less alone. It can be overwhelming.