My mother was born in 1937 in Offenbach, Germany, a small town near Frankfurt. The majority of her childhood was eclipsed by the ravages of WWII. She endured bombings, hunger, sickness, and family deaths, and these experiences never left her; she carries the memories and effects to this day. Her appreciation of fresh fruit and chocolate (which she never tasted until she was 16 – potatoes were the mainstay) and her aversion to throwing away food stems from her wartime experiences. She never learned to swim, because it was too dangerous to be outside, and she discouraged me from becoming a nurse – too many visions of wounded soldiers being cared for in her home. Though eight decades ago, it is all still fresh in her mind.
Yesterday, Queen Elizabeth addressed the people of the United Kingdom offering comfort, encouragement, and hope, just as she did as a teenager during the war. Her message from 1940 is as relevant today as it was then. The events that we have faced in the past month have impacted everyone, young and old alike. Our routines have been turned upside down, at least for the moment. Just a few weeks ago most of had trouble remembering what happened last week or last month. When we are finally able to get back to normal and go back to work, we will appreciate our jobs and our colleagues all the more. When school resumes, students will be grateful to be with their friends and teachers. Every Mass, wedding, funeral, sporting event, or concert going forward will be greeted with great joy and utmost appreciation. This time of isolation is a gift, a reminder that we should never take anything or anyone for granted. Hopefully that message will stick with us for the rest of our lives.
When we are finally able to get back to normal and go back to work, we will appreciate our jobs and our colleagues all the more. When school resumes, students will be grateful to be with their friends and teachers. Every Mass, wedding, funeral, sporting event, or concert going forward will be greeted with great joy and utmost appreciation. This time of isolation is a gift, a reminder that we should never take anything or anyone for granted. Hopefully that message will stick with us for the rest of our lives.
May your Holy Week be filled with many blessings as we all look forward with great eagerness to Christ’s resurrection, giving us hope for a better and brighter tomorrow.
In Mission,
Kathy
P.S. To memorialize this period of time, I share with you some “time-capsule” activities that will help our children document and remember the experiences of Spring 2020.
