This past month has been something for the history books, it will be known as the time the world stood still.

I have seen so much good come from this reprieve of life. Parents are getting to know their kids again, spouses are relearning each other and friendships are reconnecting. 

I want to focus on the good news. We are coming out of this quicker than expected and with less death than expected. This is something to thank God for. My family is just like so many other families: we suffered a furlough, the only source of income for us, lost the house we were about to buy and our adoption just keeps getting pushed back. I have struggled with this, but also knowing that hundreds of thousands of others can say the exact same thing. This brings a certain amount peace, because when we band together and work together, we can overcome.

I have seen food banks work tirelessly to support their local communities, I have seen neighbors make the best of the situation and school friends find creative ways to celebrate friends’ birthdays. Teachers had to learn how to teach virtually and still love on the kids that they feel so connected to. Healthcare workers spend days and nights, weeks, away from their loved ones as they help the sick. Delivery drivers going from place to place nonstop. The list is long. 

If you guys will join me, I want to give some shout outs. If someone you know has been a leader, a happy face, an encourager, a giver, or in any form just shown to be the kind of person we should aspire to be, give them a shout out on Facebook or Instagram. Tag them and tell us why you appreciate them. People need to be reminded how much we love them and admire them. 

I would like to give a shout out to Hannah Taraba. She works at Brookshires in Celina. She is always smiling, always kind and always a joy to see. I know she has worked so hard during this pandemic, I know she has worried for her health, but it never changed her happy nature. Hannah, thank you for being such an amazing, happy, person to see and be around. Thank you for bringing smiles to those around you in a uncertain and scary time. Thank you for making us feel little bit lighter and happier when we walk out of Brookshires. You are a sunbeam.