A story about a kid in college in 10 to 15 years has been circulating, and I really liked it, so I rewrote it as if it were Abby and me. I imagine Abby coming home from college some years from now to ask me “Dad, do you remember the Great Pandemic of 2020? We just studied it in school, what do you remember about it?”

To which I imagine replying:

“It was a difficult time. We stayed home a lot and didn’t go to school, work, orchestra or violin lessons. Church services weren’t held, and we had to adjust the way we shopped and interacted with people. But, Abby, you were 9, don’t you remember it?”

And I hope she replies:

“Dad, I remember school being canceled and everyone being home a lot more. I remember watching movies, writing stories, and doing puzzles. I remember planting our vegetable garden and watching butterflies in the yard. I remember not being tired, because we didn’t have to get up early or go to bed late because of activities. I remember it as one of the best times in my life.”

I hope that you are making the best out of this time. Life is changing around us, but how we meet it will make a big difference in how we grow out of it. There are lots of things we can do to make the memories of this time positive, especially if there are young ones in your households. We are partial to spending time in the garden, so see our Teaching Thursday on 10 Summer Garden Activities you can do with kids. Done together, these will create memories that your family will cherish.

I know there may be times when you are stressed or anxious. Tell yourself that you can do it. You were made for this moment. Think of this quote: “And just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” It is your time to be the butterfly, not the caterpillar. For yourself, for your family, for the community, and for the world. Put all of your energy into making the best out of your situation, those around you will remember that you did.