Monday, March 16, 2020

Happy 6th Birthday!

Dear Louie,
It's your 6th birthday. What I can say is that it is truly an unusual time in the world right now. 

We are currently in the midst of a COVID19 pandemic.  We have been watching the expansion of this disease, the case counters, and responding to the changes daily and almost hourly. 

Schools are closed.  Work has been moved to WFH for those of us who can telecommute.  Churches have moved online.   Any gathering >50 people will be postponed for the next 8 weeks.  It's weird to think the best way we can protect our society and most vulnerable is to distance ourselves.  And yet, that is where we are.  And that is the best thing we can do for others.

During this time, I have often thought about those who have and will lose loved ones.  I hope that our hearts expand to include those who we don't know.  I hope that our patience grows beyond the inconveniences of what we need to do differently.  And most importantly, I hope our gratitude for life and each other emerges as part of this crisis.

I know these are lessons that you taught and continue to teach me.

Your sisters brought you their favorite watering can. They knew exactly what to do when I said we were visiting Ge Ge (big brother).  In this particular case, Ellie eventually woke up from her nap and then remembered how it was her favorite and would not leave it for you.  I trust that you will understand as any older brother would.  We're grateful for you. We miss you every day.