While obsessively keeping track of the numbers of people infected (are we all doing this?), my husband has reached out with gorgeous e-mails to people who’ve meant something in his life. People’s hearts are opening up like flowers.
Friends with college-age kids are consolidating, in spite of the fear of bringing home the virus. Some have created elaborate traffic patterns at home so the young can avoid the olders.
I received a request for help from a charter school that is doing outstanding work in a neighborhood of Hispanic kids. They continue to provide hot lunches for the children and are helping connect families and internet services so kids can learn at home. This is desperate need in my opinion. I decided to help.
I feel a sense of relief that—finally--we have parents who are talking to each other here in this mixed-up nation that I love so much. The 2 Trillion Relief Bill passed last night. Lawmakers want to get home, away from the cities.
The strong fiber of this nation is coming through. There are smart people who care deeply and are working for all of us. I can do that too, in whatever way I can.
D and I are traveling on foot, tourists in our own neighborhood. Yesterday, we saw a desolate, haunted house. Today we came upon two women seated in single folding chairs at the end of their driveways talking to each other across the width of the road. They were chatting like old friends across the kitchen table. It was such a delightful thing to see and reminded us of how resourceful we humans can be.
What shall I cook tonight? Last night I opened the slender packet of cellophane with dried beans, corn kernels, and soup medley. I added chicken stock, cooked chicken strips, and “salsa.” Served the soup with slices of aguacate, chopped cilantro, and crunchy corn tortillas. Something new.
But I’m running out of ideas.
My fairy, felt roosters (“Little rooster” and “Big Bro”) who’ve shown up on my FB page for a number of years are talking to me every morning.
Like running water in my head, things are moving.
(How are you holding up?)
If you are looking for a worthy organization to help in these tough times, the charter school I mentioned, The Learning Community in Central Falls, Rhode Island is a vibrant K-8 school that serves mostly low-income families using innovative teaching practices and partnerships with parents and the community.
Spanish Word of the Day: AGUACATE. (PALTA in some South American countries) English: AVOCADO.