As I sit at home, safe and healthy, I can’t help but feel gratitude in the midst of all this. It could be so much worse.
We are lucky that this happened during tax time, and that a lot of people have their tax returns to fall back on.
As a state (Iowa), we are now doing our part to “flatten the curve”, so hospitals don’t get overwhelmed and become unable to care for the most critical patients.
We owe a huge thanks to:
CNAs, nurses, doctors, and all medical staff for keeping the sick and elderly safe and healthy.
Retail workers for keeping food and other goods on the shelves for us.
Truck drivers for delivering all of those goods.
Factory and warehouse workers and farmers for providing those goods.
Trades/union workers for keeping our lights on, plumbing working (just think of all the stupid things that will be clogging up toilets in the next few weeks!), and generally keeping everything going.
Workers for programs such as United Way, Iowa Workforce Development, etc. for providing people with necessary resources.
You all are working ungodly hours risking your own health to help others. You aren’t appreciated enough. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I would also like to thank all the artists who continue to provide us with joy and entertainment during this time.
As difficult as this may be/get, please appreciate what you have and use this as an opportunity. An opportunity to finish projects, build meaningful relationships, teach your children important life skills, acknowledge the benefits of humans leaving nature thrive for once, just breathe, or whatever you feel necessary. And always be kind.
I personally will use this time to reorganize my home and donate what we don’t need, hike and take photos of places I haven’t been, and take this opportunity to learn more about my craft. Stay well and stay grateful!
Anna Mae Photography 