Things are looking up for the Wilson clan! My youngest has fully recovered from COVID-19 (without infecting any of us, praise be), our collegians have safely returned to their respective campuses (at least for now), Doo’s midlife crisis seems to be abating (i.e., he has not purchased a Belizean catamaran) and my classroom banishment order is nearing an end. Most important, I’m feeling hopeful about life and the rest of 2020.
And I think the main reason for my newfound positivity, despite still dealing with some difficult stuff like my father’s terminal cancer, is realizing that most people, when it counts, are good. Here are a few individuals who helped change my attitude.
- The random health department worker who conducted the 45-minute COVID-19 interview used to collect data on Indiana’s outbreak. Toward the end of our call, she asked, “But how are you doing? Do you need anything? Food? Transportation? Medicine?” Cue tears.
- A hardened Vietnam vet who dropped off food as part of a meal train my sister organized. He brought homemade spaghetti, fresh bread, salad and dessert, but also shrimp cocktail, wine, vodka, coffee, flowers, candles and linen napkins. He wanted my parents to enjoy the perfect romantic dinner! How thoughtful was that?
- And finally, the amazing faculty and staff at my school. I’ve had everyone from my hallway neighbors to the superintendent email or text to check on my daughter, offer to run errands or simply to give words of support. They made me feel loved, even though they have much bigger things to worry about. Gulp.
So have faith, friends! There are good people in this world.
Peace out.
