Slice of Life: Grateful for “My People”

Without going into many details (and I hate vague posting), work has been challenging in the face of COVID-19. First, most librarians (me included) choose this career to make a difference in our community. Our building has been closed for two months now and honestly, I’m not sure when we’ll be able to re-open.

Trying to serve a community virtually is not easy. Technology is required, understanding is needed, and knowing that we don’t know a lot is trying, to say the least. I’m working more hours and harder than I ever did at the library – contacting staff, responding to patron emails, and sharing social media posts with our residents, all while trying to keep up with current information about the virus.

Second, I have never said, “I don’t know” more often than I have in the past two months. It’s mentally and emotionally exhausting. And yet, I keep reminding myself that I can do the best I can with the information I have and be okay with that. My family is healthy and safe right now, my staff has been working hard from home, and although it may be far in the future, we’re working on a plan for phased re-opening.

Grateful for “My People”

Today, I am grateful for coworkers, colleagues, friends, and family. It was just one of those days that made me so thankful for the people I’m surrounded by (virtually, of course). These reminders absolutely made my day and reminded me to appreciate all of the people in my life.

I had a coworker reach out through text and just sent me the sweetest message that completely brightened my day. When I got home from stopping in the library to check the mail and pay the bills, these beautiful flowers were waiting for me. My sister all the way across the country sent me gorgeous flowers “just because” and they are gorgeous! Sunflowers, daisies, a bird of paradise, hydrangea, and more are so bright and cheery!

I also got an awesome shout-out on Twitter from a wonderful children’s book author, Josh Funk! If you haven’t checked out any or all of his books, do yourself a HUGE favor and do it. I love his Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast books! He’s an epic rhyme writer and his books are so fun to read aloud. Anyway, he shared a great shout-out which was so kind!

And finally, I got to Zoom chat with my girlfriends who I really haven’t seen since the beginning of March. Even as an introvert, I’m beginning to miss seeing people and can’t wait until we can get together in person, but our Zoom chat was exactly what I needed. Each of these events reminded me just how grateful I am to “my people.”

Today, I’m asking you to reach out to a coworker, friend, family member, even someone you follow on social media. A simple thing that can mean so much! I hope all of you, my readers, are safe and healthy!