Day Seven: Almost Spring

Writing today just feels heavy and hard.

It was a good day! In some ways, it is easy to go through the motions: We fed the kids, did laundry, payed the bills. I made a meal plan, went grocery shopping, using a small bead from my only bottle of purell before and after shopping (and washing with soap as soon as I put the groceries away).

Then we got the kids out for a nice hike in the woods. It was still cold, about 30 degrees, but it was sunny. We were outside, and except in the occasional moment we passed an oncoming hiker and left a wide swath between us, it all almost felt like a normal spring day.

On our walk home, which led us by the Elementary School, someone had come by with sidewalk chalk. They had drawn hearts everywhere, and messages like "These are the real MVPs" and "Thank You for your Hard Work!". 

Such a kind and touching gesture. I've heard all these mushy reports on the news about how this virus is going to "bring the country together", and I think a) they are just looking for a weird silver lining and b) it is an exaggeration.  But when I see acts of kindness and appreciation like this, and the many ways Vermonters are showing up for each other in our little community, I am sure that this ordeal will, at least, bring our small community closer together.  

It's these little strings of gratitude and connection we need to hang onto to face this. Can dwell in the fear, and dread, and the horrible, and also dwell in gratitude, and love and hope?

Sunday March 22nd

US cases: 32,000

Vermont cases: 52