While under normal circumstances, it is only so often that we really consider what it means to be together. For holidays and gatherings there is often buildup, excitement, concern. We celebrate it, anticipate it and depending on the circumstances, we occasionally even worry about it. All the while, we have taken it for granted.
Thanksgiving. Weddings. The Holidays.
Maybe if we are lucky and we have family nearby, an occasional Sunday dinner. We never really knew how lucky we were.
In this highly unusual time of isolation and distancing, we have stepped away from the togetherness of even immediate family life. In stepping away we have lost so much. Even the most informed among us could not have imagined how long this period of social isolation would seem. It has been more than two months where I live. And, oh what we would give for a hug from a friend or a warm handshake. We are social creatures. We need each other.
The boys having been doing their best to come up with ways to see their friends. Like virtually everyone else they have been looking to Zoom or FaceTime but recently our state has opened up to limited outdoor activity. Our oldest and his friend thought they could organize a lawn mowing business. They reasoned that it would allow them to spend time together outside and make money. I love these little entrepreneurs. It’s the American dream, adapted for a pandemic. (Note: I never knew they were working on the concept of time being the same as money, wink wink $:).
They will have more time for these endeavors since it is also the boys’ last week of school. They have each had the same teacher for at least two years. This would be our oldest’s sixth year of the same teacher, a man who has poured his heart and soul into teaching his charges.
Our boys have always been guarded in their speech. I wonder though, even if that were not the case, if we could ever find enough words to describe our gratitude, our heartbreak, our love. I can’t think it’s even possible to characterize the depths of these things. Our boy thought he might mow his teacher’s lawn this summer, on the house. “That’s a good start,” I told him.
I overheard one of the boys’ teachers saying he cannot say goodbye this year. It’s emotional. We cannot hug or shake the hand or pat the shoulder of those with whom we have walked through life. We will just have to say “until we meet again”. And maybe assess their lawn for weeds.
For skin cancer awareness - Avoid indoor tanning to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds and seek the shade.
xo,
Dr. Laura Dr. Swae