Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

These are uncertain times. These are scary times. COVID-19 has brought disparity into so many people’s lives. One word that encapsulates this sentiment for me is “empty.” Empty streets, empty halls in hospitals and schools. Empty parks, libraries, restaurants, and churches. The title of my segment is a ballad from my favorite musical, Les Miserabes. The premise of the famed musical is an ex-convict (Jean Valjean) who is struggling to sort his life out, hence, the meaning of “Les Miserables,” – the miserable one. Are we just all trying to sort our lives out during this difficult period? Instead of seeing this as a bad thing, shall we focus on the positives this may bring? Rather than hollow in a void space, lets try to see the beauty in what’s all around us.

As a mother of 3, and someone who suffers from Crohn’s disease, I have been living in a state of fear, being immunocompromised during the COVID-19 crisis. I must admit, I find it maddening to see protests in support of re-opening everything that was shut down in effort to save our lives. Yes, our economy is taking a massive hit, but is that more important than lives lost? Let that thought sink in for a bit.

I had to venture to the hospital last week to see if I would need surgery for a Crohn’s complication, and I witnessed firsthand how very hard our doctors, nurses, janitorial services, etc. are working. The second I stepped into the hospital parking ramp, I noticed the incredible impact this epidemic has had. I was greeted by a hospitality worker adorning gloves and a face mask. She asked me several questions and then hit the buttons on the elevator to lead to the lobby where I would receive a personal escort to the surgery wing. Nurses and doctors wore their PPE, and were diligent in getting me in and out quickly. Empty halls, but sick people. Very, very, sick people you guys. Please remember this when you think about what’s really important. Just because you aren’t sick, and not showing symptoms, doesn’t mean you can’t pass it along to someone who isn’t strong enough to fight it. Lets not reverse what we all have worked very hard to challenge. If we don’t respect the orders we’ve been given, we will have to stay longer at home in the long run.

In a world that is constantly moving, we’ve been forced to pause, or the “Great Pause,” as some have coined it. We have time right now, and going at a slower pace makes some of us uncomfortable. I challenge you to dig deep and look within. I will share some of things I have re-discovered during this viral war.

Nature. Somehow the grass seems greener, the ski bluer and the air fresher. Maybe because there are less cars on the road, less pollution occupying the air we breathe and less people that in turn, allows us to be alone with our thoughts. There was a deer in our backyard last weekend, and it was so majestic. She was enjoying the silence in the sun drenched grasses. Our girlies got close enough to almost touch her. Going on walks, hikes and hitting the pavement for a run have quickly become an integral role in maintaining peace. Time. I have found great solace in my “new” alone time. Time to think, time to spend with my children, my husband, and time for reflection. Contemplation is a great source for new and fresh beginnings. Sure, you might feel like you’re in your own personal Groundhog’s Day movie (great movie btw), but maybe try and improve each day. Is there something you’ve been wanting to try? A new hobby perhaps? A challenge that you’ve wanted to conquer, but have been afraid? Lets all engage in acts of kindness. Do something kind for your neighbor. We’ve been exchanging treats with our neighbors by leaving on each other’s doorsteps. Amidst crisis, wonderful things still happen. Restaurants are donating food to the food insecure, landlords are suspending rent, and so, so many people are pitching in where help is needed the most.

Embrace the beauty in your life that you DO have. Take heed from your children, and seek innocence and display a happy heart. What are you doing to fill your days? We’re baking like we’ve never baked before. Homemade yogurt, breads and cookies upon cookies. Somedays we spend in our pajamas. No makeup for me, and a new mustache for my husband. I’m not a fan of the extra bristles, but at the same time it makes me giggle, and my husband knows that, so for that, I love him. We laugh, and it’s that laugh so hard you almost pee your pants laugh. Who knew I actually have dark blonde hair like all my kiddos, ha! Ok, maybe I knew, but I had been hiding it all these years. Sure, we might all need haircuts/touch-ups, but does that really matter right now? We tell our children we love them multiple times per day. They need to know things are going to be okay. There is some confusion with the littles. Where’s Gammy and Papa? Why aren’t they coming over, and when will we see them? Rest assured. This two shall pass. We are in this TOGETHER.

There is a back to basics mentality that has come over us like a tidal wave. We’ve been stripped of all things that we once thought we had comfort in. What I believe we have found is a new sense of appreciation for EVERY. LITTLE. THING. Yes, there is a lot of pain and struggle right now, but even if it’s just for a moment try to see the light through the darkness. On my run a few weeks ago, I was blown away by the messages of hope that decorated the driveways. Chalk art and painted rocks. One rock’s message really resonated with me, and was quite profound. “Seas the Day,” and that my friends, is exactly what I’m going to do.

“Dance as if no one is watching. Love as if no one has ever hurt you before. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth.”
– Mark Twain