well, the whole world has transformed since i last posted on this blog. reality feels so unreal right now. i feel like my mind has been racing at triple-speed the past couple of weeks, and there’s so much to think about, so much to consider, so much to take in.

i try to mostly think about how grateful i am. for good health and for stable employment supporting our family. for our big-by-city-dweller-standards living room and the nearly-always-empty communal garden across the street. for two little boys that start every single day optimistic and smiling and excited, and who teach me about faith over fear. for the internet (especially facetime, marco polo and whatsapp groups) that allows me to connect to others even when we are self-isolating. for the fact that we live around the corner from a huge grocery store that for now is being basically fully restocked regularly. i am grateful that the biggest effects of this global crisis for our family are cancelled trips and inconsequential events, missing a few hours of (nonessential) childcare per week, and adjusting our very active and social lifestyle to vigilant social distancing. the past couple of weeks have been challenging in numerous ways, but in ways that are so tiny when thinking of the devastation that is happening for others around the world.

i am also thinking a lot about how i hope i don’t miss this incredible opportunity to grow – as i am compelled to slow down, to do things differently, to make sacrifices for those who are more vulnerable, to cherish relationships, to connect with the human family and our interdependence in a whole new and amazing way.

the other day, when all this covid-19 craziness had started really ramping up, i took gabriel to our garden and was stunned by all the blossoms that seemed to have popped up overnight. the varied tiny rain-speckled flowers filled my heart with a sweetness that i feel like has sustained me throughout the rapid changes of the past couple of weeks. dear reader, i hope these photos i snapped also fill you up with a pinch of sweetness at this wild time.

who knows what tomorrow, next week, next month or next year will bring. but amongst all the uncertainty, i hope i can keep choosing to be grateful and stretched.