Treasure the time

This past week our family has lost three men who were mentors or treasured icons in our eyes. They were irreplaceable, and that got us as a family to really treasure those memories. As we look to the future, we seek to create time and moments with the ones who are left.

Especially during this time of social distancing and creating space, it can be challenging to just hang out with the people special to us. But it is also a significant time to cling to those people who have lived through the historical eras in our country and our communities, and to glean the memories they have of the world around us. Their perspective is a treasure that will never be duplicated.

So if you can visit, do it. I spoke to one older gentleman a few weeks ago who wants people to stop by. He can no longer go to where he gathered socially because of the Covid shutdown. He has no family, and seeks relationships from his friends and community members. He does not do social media, so he basically has become a shut in. Yes, he is of the high-risk age group, but we should not forget him. Take precaution while visiting those of high risk. Sit apart, wear the mask if necessary, elbow bump instead of hugging, but try at befriending a person in need.

Make a phone call. Remember those things that we dial a number and speak into and they hear us on the other end? Speak to someone instead of texting them. (I know my mom is reading this and saying, Yeah, Jess, call me!) Sometimes just hearing the sound of a loved one’s voice and catching up can be good for a heart.

OK, I am going to go totally off grid now, but you can write a letter as well. The postal system still works for the time being, and they do deliver things other than Amazon packages and bills. Go “old school” and write a letter to someone and mail it out. Better yet, you could send them a card. A thinking-of-you greeting card. Write your own special message to touch someone from afar. You can even write a special note to a stranger and slip it onto their car or on their porch to let them know someone out their cares.

So as we are in this transitional period as a community, not knowing what tomorrow will bring, take the time to love on the ones you love and the ones you hold dear to your heart. Communication is the key, and that can come with a word of encouragement, a strong hug, a well-written letter, or just a look of acknowledgement while passing in the store. Take the time to seek out those who appear isolated, and let them know they are not alone.