My husband’s grandpa recently passed away (not coronavirus, he was 93-years-old and lived a full, wonderful life), and we had a trip in motion to go to the funeral in Arizona. This was just days before the chaos of stockpiling toilet paper and states of emergency being declared. We simply wanted to celebrate a Navy veteran’s life with family and friends.
Navigating this trip through the first week of our changing world, I was overcome with thankfulness. From hotel staff putting in extra effort to clean, to veterans taking time to do a gun salute at the service, we were able to focus on a wife who lost her partner, children saying goodbye to their father, and grandkids remembering a strong, sweet man. We were living in a family-filled bubble of peace and remembrance that was complete with vibrant sunsets ricocheting off the lake.
After a few days of a social media hiatus, my first foray back to Facebook pounded me with post after post of empty store shelves and cancelations that would greet us upon our arrival back home in Kansas City. I was fearful, and didn’t want to leave our calm escape. And then, more thankfulness.
Storms caused flight delays and eventually a complete stop to our already late night expected arrival time. But flight attendants cheerfully passed out snacks and drinks as we sat immovable on the runway. I never heard a single passenger complain. And when the KC contingent was told we wouldn’t make our connecting flight and needed to deplane immediately, we were quickly given seats on another plane, which would be a non-stop flight home. Thankful.
With no groceries in our kitchen, I timidly went to the store upon our return. I’ve never been scared of shopping, but had no idea what to expect. And then, more thankfulness. There were so many employees working hard to stock shelves. Everything we needed was right where it always is. The lines were long, but again, I heard no grumbling. In fact, I had a pleasant conversation with some neighbors behind me.
We’re officially home from the trip, living in a different bubble…one of social distancing. But through all the chaos, I’m thankful.
