Lessons learned during quarantine
Since we have been homebound for several weeks with the Coronavirus epidemic, thoughts have searched for positive outcomes. A teacher/neighbor shared some thoughts she had obtained from Facebook concerning young people having to stay at home from school with their family. One would think that this extended experience would have more bad effects than good, but it can also be an opportunity for positive outcomes, such as:
What if--they learn the value of eating together as a family, and finding the good to share in the small delights of everyday living?
What if--they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home?
What if--they learn to have more empathy for others; that they become more creative and learn to entertain themselves; that they learn to love to read and to express themselves in writing?
What if--they enjoy the simple things, like their own backyard and sitting near a window in the quiet?
What if--they notice the birds, and the dates that different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle shower?
What if--this generation is the one to learn to cook, to organize their space, do their laundry, and arrange their homes?
What if--they are the ones who will place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants, and the previously invisible essential workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered in place?
What if--among these children, great teachers emerge who have had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler lifestyle to truly learn what really matters in life?
What if--they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less?
A big thank you to the friend/neighbor who expressed ways we can spend our time at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. I hope there will be others that will use this column to express their thoughts. Have a good week and thank you for reading this column.