The beauty of nature will help us get through this time. Here is a photo of the Gualala River, the sandbar currently blocking the river mouth, and the Pacific Ocean. The clouds are reflected in the river in this photo taken by Shari Goforth-Eby.
From a friend in Europe. Translated from Italian:
It was March 2020...
The streets were empty, stores were closed, people couldn't go out anymore.
The streets were empty, stores were closed, people couldn't go out anymore.
But spring didn't know, and the flowers began to bloom, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, swallows would soon arrive, the sky was blue, morning was coming early.
It was March 2020...
Young people had to study online, and work from home, people couldn't shop anymore, or go to the hairdresser. Soon there would be no room in hospitals, and people continued to get sick.
Young people had to study online, and work from home, people couldn't shop anymore, or go to the hairdresser. Soon there would be no room in hospitals, and people continued to get sick.
But spring didn't know, it was time to go to the garden, the grass was growing.
It was March 2020...
People were put on lock down to protect grandparents, families and children. No more reunions or eating out or family parties. Fear had become real and the days all looked alike.
People were put on lock down to protect grandparents, families and children. No more reunions or eating out or family parties. Fear had become real and the days all looked alike.
But spring didn't know. Apple trees, cherry trees and others grew; the leaves grew.
People started reading, playing with family, learning a language, singing on the balcony and inviting neighbors to do the same; they learned a new language, became supportive and focused on other values.
People started reading, playing with family, learning a language, singing on the balcony and inviting neighbors to do the same; they learned a new language, became supportive and focused on other values.
People realized the importance of health and of the suffering, of this world that had stopped, of the economy that fell down.
But spring didn't know. The flowers left their place for fruits, the birds made their nests, swallows arrived.
Then release day came, people saw it on TV, the virus had lost, people went down the street, sang, crying, kissing their neighbors, without masks or gloves.
And that's when summer came, because spring didn't know. She continued to be there despite everything, despite the virus, fear and death. Because spring didn't know, she taught people the power of life.
Everything will be alright, stay home, protect yourself, and you will enjoy life.
Thanks to Drew Fagan for sending me this moving essay and thanks to Shari for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Mendocino County was put on lock down, shelter in place, today. Tomorrow is the first day of spring. We will get through this.
Karen Drost
The original is Italian, written by Irene Vella. See http://www.irenevella.com
Jeanne Jackson
Post authorThank you, Karen. I will amend my post.
Karen
A time we will never forget is well expressed in this prose. Thank You!
Jeanne Jackson
Post authorI'm happy to be able to share it, Karen!