So yesterday I was feeling a bit low and down. Just as we were starting to see a light at the end of this Corona tunnel, 2020 came once again to slap us with a dose of reality. The recent “recommendations” are more restrictive than before and even though Sweden never fully shut down, we voluntarily went into isolation and all signs are pointing towards another visit in the hole. We dared to dream and made plans… we decided against our annual big Halloween party for a smaller kid friendly afternoon lunch, which now has been canceled. Most likely our Thanksgiving dinner will be canceled and what’s more upsetting is that my sister, who visits every year for Christmas and New Year, won’t be able allowed to travel. It’ll be a year of not seeing anyone from my family and that makes me so sad. I know I’m not alone in this sadness as others I know have been kept apart from their families due to this pandemic. And while we are thankfully that we are healthy, safe and have jobs that can be done remotely (although not ideal), I couldn’t help but to feel overwhelmed.

While in my pity party, I received a message on FB from my cousin in-law telling me to visit his page. I did as I was told and to my utter shock there was a video of him reading to his daughter’s entire class via Zoom, Sunny and Moony. Apparently, her class was learning about the moon and he told the teacher that someone in his family had written a book about the sun and the moon. I was floored and teary eyed. I felt so humbled that he would think of my book and volunteering to read it to the class was such an act of kindness that I’ll never forget. On top of that, it made me realize that if my cousin who is homeschooling 4 grade school aged children and working full time can manage this crisis than a few extra restrictions are nothing in comparison. While this year has had plenty of low moment there are some major highs, and this will be one that I’ll refer to time and time again. The simple act of kindness from others can really lift your spirits and lift you out of the hole you’ve created yourself. Thank you to the Dinh family. I love you all and I hope to see you very soon.

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