Be Kind

When the pandemic first began -- I was the one who did the family shopping.  I think stores like HyVee, Costco, and my local Kwik-Star convenience stores did a great job of sanitizing their carts, creating one-way shopping aisles, protecting their clerks, limiting close personal contact.

Like everybody else, I was afraid.  This was earth-shattering...never-before-in-our-lifetime scary stuff.  But I was heartened by the fact that, even though THOUSANDS of employees at places like Walmart and Home Depot have been going to work every day for the last two months -- we haven't heard about huge outbreaks of Covid 19 in those work forces.

The thing is -- there is no RIGHT or WRONG way to do this thing.  We're all doing our best.

I understand social distancing, but you really can't do that with two little kids. For me, it was important to spend quality time with my grandkids during this time...cuz -- maybe THIS WILL BE the Grandma time they remember the most when they are all grown up. 

Their parents are crazy busy, and with no school, I felt they needed me.  Going into this thing -- we had no idea how long it was gonna last...we could be separated all summer...

And that would be time I'd never get back...

 
I also continued to have socially distanced visits with my sisters (cuz -- WE ARE OLD -- and we've got to make the most of every opportunity)....and I eagerly added outdoor visits with friends.

Last week,  the kids and I were ABSOLUTELY THRILLED to order our usual VIB at the local Village Inn....I LEFT A HUGE TIP...

AND, last Thursday -- I got a haircut!! (another huge tip)...

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We are all handling this in our own way...doing the best we can.  But, for sure, many people are NOT ready to eat in a restaurant or get a haircut....and I respect their choices.

Obviously -- I'm one of those people who is DELIGHTED to get back out in the world.   But returning to "normal" is going to require all of us to take some personal responsibility.  I have a mask and hand sanitizer in my purse, and in my car -- I use them often, and I have no problem with social distancing...I feel like I am cautious, and staying safe.  But, there are no guarantees...

During this next phase -- it's important to not judge other people.

I read this on a friend’s Facebook post.  I’m sure it is making the rounds on social media because it is just what we need to hear.  I don’t know who the original author is.

Everyone’s feelings are okay, and we all get to feel the way we feel, but please remember to be kind:

Some people don’t agree with things opening — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some people are still planning to stay home — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some are scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may not lose their business or their homes — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some will wear masks for weeks — that’s okay. Be kind.

Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done — that’s okay. Be kind.

The point is, everyone has different viewpoints or feelings and that’s okay. Be kind.

We each have a different story. So remember, be kind.

Remember this is a general message for everyone across our country. Some states are not ready for haircuts and elective surgeries. This will all come, and that’s okay, be kind.

Sometimes I get too alarmed by things I read on Facebook. I worry that people believe things that I think are untrue and dangerous.

But we can all care about each other and our individual struggles.

Be kind.