Silver Linings

by Jen Rothenberg

I started writing this blog well before the Corona Virus outbreak, soon after my sons recovered from weeks home with two strains of the flu. I was finally able to get out of the house to go for a long run. I looked around and felt a newfound appreciation for a sunny February day and the beauty of the town we live in. I began to think about how grateful I am for the kind pharmacist I’ve gotten to know having picked up so many prescriptions, and who provides a measure of comfort in unsettling moments.

And when our new puppy arrived, life with him provided new opportunities for finding joy in otherwise suboptimal moments.  One very early morning after Humphrey had been barking much of the night, I took notice of the most gorgeous full moon. Taking him outside without my phone has allowed me time to think so clearly. While living with a puppy comes with its share of disrupted sleep and accidents, it also reveals the lovingkindness of our children and provides them a sense of responsibility.

Last week we had to postpone my son’s Bar Mitzvah. The messages we received from his friends’ parents (some of whom I’ve never met) were so kind and thoughtful. They expressed sensitivity to my son’s disappointment and gratitude for helping to keep their kids safe. Many pointed out the upside: the advantages of the new dates and how much more memorable the occasion will be when it is rescheduled. And as his parent, I know that this will serve as another obstacle my son has had to tackle, one that will make him a little more resilient.

When schools closed, my mind raced with how we could spend the days isolated at home: finally write this blog I had been asked to do at least a month ago, enjoy quality time with our new puppy, take walks and catch up on Curb Your Enthusiasm with the family. 

And as the period of social isolation has progressed, I’ve gained more of an appreciation for virtual barre classes with Tracy through the Wellground, my boys having each other for games of 1–on-1 basketball and my husband’s cooking, which has kept us restaurant-quality fed. We have used it as an opportunity to teach our children the value of helping those in our community in need, donating to the local food pantry and encouraging friends and family to do the same.

While we will undoubtedly go a little stir crazy at moments in the coming weeks, looking for these bright spots can ease some of the anxiety during this uncertain and scary time. And when things begin to return to normal, hopefully one lasting impact of this crisis will be its lesson to us all to search for the silver linings in our stormiest times.