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I have lived through some pretty traumatic times in my life. I have seen and experienced things that have affected me. There have been times where it has impacted me vicariously. But as I persevere and come through, there is always something to be learned, or to be thankful for. I like to think of it as the rainbow after the storm…always look for that rainbow.
These times are not normal and most people will tell you that this is HARD! What I can tell you is there is a lot of kindness. There is a lot of empathy. There is a community that cannot come together in person, but make up the distance with giving selflessly to others.
Even before the isolation began, we received a letter from a family. They pledged to bring some happiness to our neighbourhood. Their three boys (12 year old and 10 year old twins) would hide (pre-packaged/pre-cleaned) treats in Easter eggs around our neighbourhood. Not only did this get the younger ones excited to go outside to find the treats, it was like a trickle effect. When we found an egg, we felt strange to return it empty. Instead, we filled them with some of our own treats or kind words and re-hid them (we washed the plastic eggs and hid prepackaged treats as well). It was a game that kept going.
On Facebook right before St. Patrick’s Day a friend who lives 5 hours away re-posted the idea of a Shamrock Hunt. I shared this on a local Facebook mommy’s group and it went VIRAL! The idea was to make a shamrock and place it in your window and encourage the children to walk, get outside, avoid physical contact, but still encourage socialization. All over social meida people posted and it encouraged the littles count how many shamrocks they could find. The community banded togther. It was so great and my big guy enjoyed painting and displaying his work of art, but he also felt a sense of inclusion. Because this shamrock hunt was so popular, someone locally created a Neighbourhood Window Walk.
The kindness inclusion continued with an idea of a “Chalk walk” (sidewalk chalk drawing or encouraging words or phrases), while still keeping the social distancing practices in check. To see all of the heartwarming messages on our street and on social media could take anyone’s not so great day and turn it into a new perspective. Perhaps, stopping, taking a minute to look for the rainbow after the storm.
I also have to mention the countless businesses online that are offering free exercise classes, meditation, art, music, and activities. Not only is this keeping the children engaged and learning in this demanding time, but they are giving parents a chance to breathe, relax, and not stress about what to do while their kids are stuck within the four walls.
Yes, this is such an odd time in our lives. I just can’t help but to look around and feel so thankful with all of the kindness that is surrounding us as parents, and especially our children. We will get through this, but with all of the positivity around us; it makes it much more fun…from a distance. Always look for that rainbow, it’s there!
