Summer 2020

We have had some good news lately as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been some promising research in treatments and vaccines. States are beginning to see declines in cases and starting to re-open, and I think we are all itching to have life get back to the way things used to be.

There are still a lot of uncertainties that will allow that to happen in its fullest and knowing that this could be a prolonged period of social distancing can really be difficult. Let’s take a step back from what we can’t do, and focus on what we get to do while we have been staying home. Once things open back up again, life will change once again. Are there things you will miss that came about from the COVID-19 lockdowns?

It is so easy to let our minds dwell on the negative; let’s talk about the positive things that have come about. Kasey shared with our team that when things ‘go back to normal’ she will miss all the quality time her family got to spend together. Normally, due to work schedules not meshing, they don’t often see each other as they would prefer. Staying at home offered an opportunity for family time.

Cliff mentioned that he is really going to miss his ‘short commute’ to the office. I concur! The walk to work has been great! No traffic! He also shared that he and his three brothers have been having weekly Zoom calls with his parents who live in a senior community in Grand Rapids. It is the first time in many years that their family has been able to have regular time to share and catch up and his folks have really enjoyed it as well. Hopefully it will continue!

Lunch has been a real treat for Jodi, as she has gotten to enjoy her lunchtime with her son, Josh. In addition, she has had helpers (her pets) every day at work. Who doesn’t enjoy the unconditional love of a pet in the middle of a workday? She also mentioned that life is just a little slower paced right now. There isn’t a rush to go here or there – there is nowhere to go! Slowing down helps her to appreciate every moment.

Jeans. We all agree wearing jeans has been really nice too. We like to dress professionally in the office for you, but jeans are very comfortable and the team has enjoyed that while being at home. It has also been a real treat for me to ‘see’ my kids each week. Usually, they are busy with work or life, or whatever, but with everyone at their respective homes, we have had weekly FaceTime calls with each of them. It’s been great and I’ve really enjoyed that.

While we can all take a step back and look at the positives that have come out of this, there is also the truth that this time of social distancing can be very difficult on your mental health. It is important to recognize when the burden has come to a point where you need to ask for help. Your mental health is equally important as your physical health. Just as you would call your family doctor if you had a physical ailment, you need to contact a professional if your mental health is compromised as well. This is link is to the website for the Southwest Michigan chapter for the National Alliance for Mental Health: https://www.namiswmich.org/ . There are resources available if you or someone you know needs help.