Wow. That’s the word that keeps coming to me when I reflect on the last month: Wow.
When I wrote my last FA Times, I shared a poem in celebration of International Women’s Day. There was no mention of a global pandemic, the least of which, frankly, was on my mind. I remember that day vividly, as it was the last “normal” workday I recall having. And my, how quickly that changed. That was March 11th.
On March 13th, just two days later, I was sending an email to the entire agency with our mitigation plan. Which has now, per Governor Walz’s “Stay Home Order”, been extended to May 4th.
Wow.
As foster parents you know, better than anyone, what it means to be extraordinary. And, even in the midst of a global crisis, you all still find a way to be just that: extraordinary. The FA staff marvels at you; you simply refuse to break.
Maya Angelou once famously said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” It is clear, with each passing day, that this community, led by our foster parents, has decided not to be reduced. We already know how little we control as it is, but we can always control our response.
And you have certainly responded! You’ve responded with grace, courage and tenacity. We will all look back on this time in our history and remember the loved ones that surrounded us; we will remember the individuals who brought us comfort during this time of great uncertainty and fear. You will be that memory for our kids.
And even though we have cannot physically be together, there is absolute no other community I would rather “stay apart together” with.
Be safe. And keep washing those hands. J
