A Strange Sense of Togetherness
Coming together in a Pandemic
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has put stress on all of us in different ways. We are seeing different parts of our communities crumble under this huge weight. We are having to say goodbye to loved ones and friends who have taken their last breath and we are unable to see them which has been traumatizing to say the least. There have been so many positive messages circling simply to make us feel better as humans. I mean, how many times can we hear “we’re all in this together?” Although it is a good sentiment, I believe that many of us, including myself, have found it harder to believe that statement in this current climate. Many things have continued to keep us divided, but more importantly we should think about the ways that the coronavirus pandemic has brought us closer together.
While we are all working towards stopping the spread of the virus and staying distant, it is important that we recognize the things that the pandemic has made us value more than before.
For example, I think that many of us took our families and the time spent with them for granted. Many humans hate change, and I’m no exception. When I was told that we were going to teach virtually after our "extended spring break" in March, I was feeling very lonely and stressed. I couldn’t fathom changing all of my plans and thought that this would be a temporary three-week break (obviously it was much longer). I remember thinking that if I had been feeling this way, that my family members were probably feeling alone and worried, also. I set up a "Netflix Party" night where we watched Netflix's "Next in Fashion." We are a relatively small family so I invited my younger cousins to watch the show with me. We found ourselves to be discussing it weekly and enjoyed our time together. Even though I am the oldest cousin, and my other 4 cousins are in a variety of life stages, we were all able to connect during these “unprecedented times.”
Of course, when the summer rolled around, our viewings stopped being as frequent, but we were still able to chat more often than we had before. I started to call my grandparents, aunts/uncles and parents more often. I created a personal mission. I didn't want anyone to feel alone, and just in case they were feeling that way- I would call and cheer them up. Sometimes after a phone call, I would get an idea of what that individual was dealing with and I would send them some snail mail! Perhaps this was me overextending myself for the sake of others at first, but it really became a habit and I’m very happy that I did it. I like to think that one day I’ll be old and gray, telling my grandchildren about 2020 and how my relationships became much stronger.
Going into "post-COVID-times" or “precedented times” this correspondence is something that I will always cherish and I hope to keep doing as long as I am able. Although people are sometimes too busy for a long phone call, or if the communications are one-sided, I can still leave a voicemail or send a text. As humans, gathering together is crucial to our well being. It’s important for people to feel a sense of community even when we physically cannot be in the same space.
So, to my family and friends- think of something interesting for our next phone call. You're not getting rid of me yet.
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