SUNNYSIDE UP MOMENT - APRIL 29, 2020

DAY FORTY-FOUR OF THE CORONAVIRUS QUARANTINE FOR US AT STACK 'EM HIGH PANCAKES AND SO FORTH

Like every parent, many times over the course of the last two months I have wondered how the entirety of this experience will affect our children.  When school resumes will they have lost traction in their studies?  When cold and flu season ramps up in the fall will they feel anxious?  When they recall this chapter of their lives what will their memories look like?  How do I know I am not missing any tinges of trauma or the slightest signs of psychological stress?

Last evening, I came across this sketch on my daughter’s desk.  When I asked her about it, she said it’s a picture of our house during quarantine.  Now, I have new questions.  Are we living with a Broadway performer?  Does our son usually hide under the table and eat doughnuts?  Do our children think the chicks are going to free range in the kitchen?  Who is going to clean up those eggs on the table?  How has that stack of pancakes not fallen over?  And why am I the only one cleaning? 

William Blake said, “We are put on earth a little space that we might learn to bear the beams of love.”  Truly, I am grateful beyond measure that during this strange time our kids seem to consider our home a love incubator.  However, my job as a parent goes beyond providing a training ground for compassion.  With those beams tucked securely in their pockets, I need to give them opportunities to see more, so they can do more.  My responsibility is to create engaged citizens, curious thinkers and benevolent humans.  When we are reunited with our communities, I want Eleni and Theo to be equipped with the courage and the willingness it takes to sprinkle those seeds of love wherever they go.  And hopefully they will know they can always come home to replenish their supply.  If Eleni’s picture is an accurate depiction, there seems to be plenty to go around.