Center Update 6-1-2020
You may have noticed I haven’t written an update in a few weeks. It’s not that you haven’t been on my mind – quite the contrary – but to be honest, what do you say when you don’t know what to say? My usual humor seems inappropriate given the state of the world. If I can’t sort through and make sense of everything I’m feeling, how can I help any of you stay optimistic that we will get through this?
By being honest. By telling you that I have been struggling to stay positive. That I’ve had days when I just wanted to stay in bed. That I can’t read one more story about the turmoil and tragedy going on in our country. That I weep for my black friends. That I’m afraid. That I am heartbroken we can’t open the Senior Center. That I worry about all of you. That sometimes I want to throw all these safety rules away and say oh to heck with it – let’s have a party. That all of this is getting to me.
Just when I think I can’t take one more thing, I see something beautiful: a flower brought to me by a friend or one of you when I get to deliver a lunch to your house. Then I’m reminded to think of all the things I have to be grateful for, and I start to feel a little bit better.
My gratitude includes you. Today marks my second anniversary as the ED of the Center and wow, do I wish we could have a party. I want to celebrate two years of getting to know the finest people I’ve ever had the honor of serving, working for, and working with. Two years of the best job I’ve ever had. Two years that have flown by. Two years of working harder than I ever have. Two years that have stretched me in ways that I never saw coming. Two of the best years of my life. Thank you for that. Cue the balloons and streamers.
And yet… When will we get to Phase Two? Or Three? Will Phase Four ever come? Some days, I wonder if we’ll ever get to fill this place up again with love and laughter and learning and be together. Will we ever feel comfortable sitting less than six feet from each other? Will I ever get to see your smiles again, see your faces without masks? When can I give you a hug without worrying about making you sick?
And yet… Phase Two is coming. And Phase Three. And eventually Phase Four will come, too. Last week I came across a presentation about resuming on-site senior center operations, and I felt a little glimmer of hope starting. I can’t change the world, I can’t cure the virus, but I sure can make a plan for our future as a senior center. Carefully and cautiously, we will be able to work our way forward. The day is coming when we’ll be able to have small groups meeting here. And then limited seating lunches. And then outdoor exercise programs. And the Wild Walkers can get back to walking. And then…eventually, we’ll throw the doors open and have the biggest party this place has ever seen. Until then, thank you for staying strong and for staying safe, and thank you for the past two years. You always know just how to cheer me up.
Catherine