2020 began with renewed hope and new directions.

From 2017 – the end of 2019, we traveled on our nomad path, alongside a cancer diagnosis, surgery and radiation treatments. By the end of 2019, all that could be done had been done. All the doctors said “live your life” and get blood tests done every 4 months. It seemed that we could start to think a little longer term.

By February, we could not peel away from the news of the virus or the John Hopkins dashboard showing the global number of cases, number recovered and number dead.

Today, safe at home is in Florida. If I were to believe everything I am seeing online, we could not be in a worse place. Our day to day does not reflect this in any way, nor does what we experience each day.

Each day blends into the next. Crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, streamed content and zoom get togethers are a part of the day. We’re now watching our first K-drama together…took 20+ years and a pandemic.

The toughest moments often come from those that are the most beautiful – watching videos of health workers, inspired concerts on empty streets, people coming together to support one another during difficult times… These are the moments that bring tears to my eyes as I wonder… What is happening out there?

A glimpse of longer term planning turned to complete and absolute uncertainty.

MAO has been my rock during these times. We greet each other brightly throughout the day – even though we are together all day. We hold hands as we watch our K-drama and hug each other tightly when we go to bed. And we laugh together at silly things.

I am ever grateful for my MAO. Thank you for helping me keep it together.