As we start to consider emerging from the dark side of this pandemic and truly consider the reality of COVID-19 becoming endemic, it is a great opportunity to take stock of what we have learned, gained, and lost during this time. What pain must you work through personally to begin healing? What silver linings are truly worth making note of? This is important work for us both personally and organizationally. This has been awfully hard.  

Just recently, two stories were shared with me that reinforced the silver lining of this.  I would like to share those with you.   

Stories of Coming Together 

Ashlie Soto shared, “My kids have never been very close. Being 6 years apart, they have always been in very different stages of life. Being home so much due to Covid has really strengthened their relationship and sometimes I capture the sweetest moments between these two.  One of my kids does not like needles, so the other held her hand and reassured her it would be ok. He was so sweet and attentive in that moment. 

Karen Gaillardet shared, “A couple of my clients who were finally able to get out and get haircuts together. These two met this past summer when they moved into the same complex and were almost instant friends. They have helped each other maneuver through this new life of COVID. They were able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together, since they could not spend it with their extended family. KL has taken TJ under her wing, and they will ride the Everett Paratransit together to go shopping and find things to do out in the community.” 

A step in my healing from this difficult time is to start taking stock of what I have learned, gained, and need to let go of or work through-personally and professionally. I encourage you to do the same-for yourself, your family, and your work. There is healing to be done. And there has also been lots of growth, learning, progress, and many heartfelt moments such as those shared by Ashlie and Karen.