As I sit here, a grandmother and a great-grandmother, in the middle of this pandemic, a time we have never had to deal with before, I watch how it affects so many.
There are so many questions, so many fears, so many rules to get used to, it’s frustrating and hard for all of us, especially the little children. A time of no playmates, no play dates, school at home, no times to go out and eat or go to a movie, and so many rules.
As difficult as it is for us, imagine what it’s like to be an active seven-year-old, who goes back and forth between mom and dad in the midst of all this who is trying the best he can to comply.
One day was more difficult than others and I watched as a dad tried to make it “alright.”
This is what I saw:
 
Dear Mommy
 
Dear Mommy,
I’m sorry we had a bad day,
I threw a fit,
Because I couldn’t get my way.
We both got mad,
frustrated,
and sad.
I yelled and screamed
and hurt your ears,
we fought and fought, 
now there’s only tears.
I’m sorry Mommy,
that this is so hard,
I act funny,
to make you smile,
or at least I tried.
But we’re both so tired, 
our emotions fried.
I love you, Mommy,
so hold me tight.
This can’t last forever,
we’ll be alright.
 
— A. M. Orvis
 
To me it gave me hope to see that we still have love and forgiveness.
Maybe this pandemic will lead us to bigger things and we will be “alright.”
Mary Orvis-Baker
Bristol