This weekend we had SO MUCH FUN both playing D&D with our friends' game and then family game, and also enjoying the return of the EPL! The EPL (English Premier League) is the soccer league my husband and I are both huge fans of...even better, we support opposing clubs who are actually huge rivals (we were enjoying soccer long before we met) and it adds a fun sense of competition whenever they square off. After several months, the EPL was cleared to play this past week in empty stadiums with many protocols in place.
Although my team is finishing decently in the middle of the table, Alex's team is holding a strong 4th place in the table and the leaders, Liverpool have clinched the title of the league, which will be their first title in 30 years. Many fans were worried (more about the pandemic, but normal life and thoughts go on as well) that with the long, unforseen break due to the virus, Liverpool might have lost their shine (I see you John Oliver). So far, though, they are looking good. Although they are not "my squad" I am definitely pulling for them to finish the season strong. We also see the players, staff, and people in attendance on the field taking a moment of solidarity silence for NHS (National Health Service) workers putting their lives on the line during this pandemic, followed by dropping to one knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Every person. Every game. Hope is kindled.
In our home, we are sorry to say that just as we were starting to venture out to mild, socially-distanced activities (e.g. walking in our neighborhood when deserted, participating in curb-side pick-up rather than delivery for groceries) a huge spike in our region has forced everyone back into a more sheltered environment. So...no walks for outside. I know I said this in my last post, but please, follow the guidelines. Because that is how they work. If you think "Well, I am *just* going to the car and back in the house" or "well, there shouldn't be too much physical contact" or "where do I even get a mask?" then I implore you to think of me. See my face as you leave your house in the morning, and please think about whether you would wear the mask, wash your hands, and socially distance if you knew you would be seeing me...because the truth is, there plenty of "me's" out there; as in, many immunocompromised people. At-risk people. Actually, screw it. People, people. That's who is out there. People. It ought not matter if they are immunocompromised, or older adults, or babies for us to care. It needs to matter because this disease is spread from person to person; it is stopped the same way. That is why we all must care.
Right now, our schedule is back to being in a holding pattern. We are still excited to be putting together new furniture, working on obedience and tricks with our pup, and finding more recipes to try at home.
We are choosing to see the positives, while making space for the challenges. The only way forward is with hope in our hearts, gratitude as an attitude, and choosing how to respond instead of react. We can choose to put on our masks. We can drive without needing a destination. We can hug each other in our shared loneliness. We can make tasty, healthy food that we both like--which allows us to get to know each other even better as favorite recipes are dogeared and belly flops are tossed out.
What is the common denominator?
We.
Not just me and my husband.
We.
While having my husband in the same quarantined house is a huge blessing, both of us have spoken to the connection we are finding with friends and families as the love and creativity continue. Our community continues coming together, over and over. Through zoom. With signs on our cars. Over the phone. Written letters. Email. Pictures. Despite all the challenges and adversity, courage and persistence is still winning every day. This letter is for you, my friend.
Yes, you.
We are in this together. I choose to walk hand in hand with both hope and humility as we turn the corner to a brighter tomorrow. We have the responsibility to care for one another by practicing the CDC guidelines because we are our species' authors for the narrative in this part of the history book.
We.
Prepare, don't panic.
-Allison
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