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Connecting

There are a zillion articles and posts all over Social Media on how to cope during a Quarantine.  What it comes down to with the onslaught of self help articles  (even when we aren't on lockdown); is to figure out what works the best for you and your family.   One thing that has been on every list is Connecting with people.   That resonated with me.   I started writing letters to cousins and aunts/uncles. And guess what - they started writing back!   Snail mail - it is so amazing to get a letter in the mail.  I love opening it and reading them as I walk up the driveway.    Reese started writing to her friends as well (my sneaky way to get her write)! 

Then my amazing long time friend Tiffany, said up a weekly Zoom call (video conferencing), with Reese and I and Maria.     So we log on every Monday night and laugh and joke and share stories and suggestions.  Last week we dressed up as a Celebrity!   I am so boring when it comes to costumes and creativity - but I pulled off some camo and was Ted Nugent, Tiffany was amazing in green sequins as Elton John and Maria was some missing toothed Equadorian girl from a childhood TV show!  (she is so crazy).   
Because Easter landed right smack in the midst of this lockdown, we were able to connect with all our our family via Zoom on Easter Sunday.  So great to see everyone and catch up - it is funny to watch the "older" generation navigate the technology.  Some do it so seamlessly and some struggle, but never get frustrated and go with the flow.    The kids are using video streaming more and more for school - so it is old hat to them!.

Since I have been walking solo for a bit, I have been going at different times of the day.   And to my great surprise I have been able to run into some friends on the walk path and have unexpected catch ups.   An old friend from elementary school that lives around the corner.  We walked (6 ft apart) and talked for 45 minutes.   I have to admit it really made my heart happy.   Days earlier I came upon another friend rollerblading and we stood and talked forever.  (6 ft. apart). 

There have been texts to everyone to check in and calls to people you may not always check in with.

And last week - we gathered in a gas station parking lot to caravan past Reese's friend Ally's house to give her some 12th Birthday cheer!   She was so HAPPY and her mom had tears of joy! 

We are finding ways to connect with friends and family and each of those encounters is meaningful and memorable.   It is easy to feel isolated and lonely during this Stay Home / Stay Safe time.  You could go for days with only talking to the people in your household, so whether it is emailing a joke, a crazy family/friend Zoom session , a letter (on stationary I dug out from college), a text, a conversation on the bike path or across the yard to the neighbor you haven't talked to all winter - everyone of those encounters gives me hope and makes me smile.


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