Here we are, about two months into the COVID-19 pandemic. After weeks of sheltering in place, the state is starting to open. The simplest of pleasures – from browsing our favorite clothing stores to sharing a meal at our most-loved restaurant – will once again be quite a treat.

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder and I can tell you that after going several weeks without seeing my grandchildren, it was pure bliss to see those beautiful little ones running in my direction. I thought my heart might burst.

 

Although the last couple of months have brought devastation to our world, country and state - from death and sadness to loneliness and financial difficulty – some goodness has emerged.

 

The diligence, courage and professionalism of our medical community and other first responders has been answered with compassion and generosity.  

 

We’ve seen residents step up, sending meals to doctors, nurses and lab workers at United Hospital Center. It’s became a daily occasion; restaurants, organizations and individuals taking turns footing the bills.

 

We’ve seen a community rally around this year’s high school graduating class. Encouraging words and gestures have been shared with members of the class of 2020.

 

The Adopt a Senior effort has brought several hundred community members together, each taking the responsibility to shower one or more of these upcoming graduates with cards and gifts of celebration. The Senior Parade – a longtime tradition of BHS seniors – brought out a big supportive audience.

 

Their year may have been cut short and senior year events and spring sports eliminated, but these students will move on to the next chapter of their lives knowing how much they are loved and how proud the community is of their achievements.

 

We’ve also seen people being very mindful of the situation, realizing they remain fortunate in this unprecedented situation and sharing what they have – be it time, energy or money – with those who need it. I know of one local who even passed on her stimulus check to The Clarksburg Mission. She said she was still working, and things hadn’t changed financially for her. She said she didn’t feel the $1500 was hers, but she was appreciative of the opportunity to pay it forward to those who need it very much.

 

We’ve seen individuals develop new talents and spend more time outdoors doing simple things, like walking, riding bikes, passing ball or playing badminton. And everyone is so friendly, happy to see a passerby and share a few words of conversation.

 

I’ve heard numerous remarks from local families; that it’s been special to have meals around the table and to not have to rush around from event to event. Maybe there is a renewed appreciation for the simple life.

 

I’ve heard people say they are excited to return to their respective churches, even for a service held in the parking lot or lawn. Maybe there is a renewed enthusiasm to be in the house of worship.

 

As we move forward, I hope we look back and see more than a pandemic and a toilet paper shortage. I hope we remember the silver linings.