My hope...

Dear Will and Livi, It's July...four months since y'all were robbed of your spring semester in school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You were both blessed with the best of teachers this year and it truly stinks you didn't get the last few months with them. I feel so many emotions about all that has transpired in our country since March, but I refuse to lose hope in what I hope you both take away from this time. My hope is that you both remember the fun we had doing "home school" at Smith Academy. My hope is that you both remember the pen pals you have so enjoyed writing throughout the pandemic. My hope is that you will forever be able to picture the countless forts we have built and the fun you've had creating each and every one. My hope is that rather than focusing on the missed dance classes and baseball practices, that you'll remember the beauty in not being rushed out the door. My hope is that you remember the "Bear Hunts" we went on in our neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods. My hope is that you remember the freedom in not having to get dressed to go anywhere. My hope is that you remember the nights of staying up late watching movies together. My hope is that you remember all the sidewalk chalk we went through writing Bible verses and drawing pictures. My hope is that you remember that you can worship anywhere and that God is still glorified even from our couch. My hope is that you remember that there's always an adventure to be had outside. My hope is that you remember all the play doh, kinetic sand, and paint that have gotten us through some long days. My hope is that you gain a deeper appreciation for the freedom of going places. My hope is that you'll be able to laugh at your mama one day for hoarding so much toilet paper and Bounty paper towels. My hope is that you always remember the trails we've found, the creeks we've jumped in, and the rainstorms we've ran in. My hope is that you understand that life is not always easy or fun, but that a positive attitude can make those times easier. My hope is that you saw your mama demonstrate resilience and an upbeat attitude in the challenges of COVID-19. My hope is that you watched your dad assimilate to his job in order to keep providing for us...and meeting his customers needs. My hope is that your sibling relationship is stronger today than it was 4 months ago. My hope is that you will never take school for granted. My hope is that when you tell your own children about the COVID-19 that you will describe feeling safe. My hope is that you will be able to recall the memories of the pandemic with joy. My hope is that you will cherish friendships always. My greatest hope is that you have felt loved every day of being at home. COVID-19 has certainly made the spring and summer look different, but my hope is that this pandemic will help our family to always embrace a slower pace and the need for togetherness. I also hope that we will regain our sense of normalcy again soon. I hope that you do not have to go years without seeing people's smiles in public. I hope that years from now y'all will be able to understand fully what a crazy time in our world this really is-and why we've had to adjust our way of life accordingly. So as I write you both tonight, please know that despite all the craziness, the unknowns, the cabin fever, etc...I have loved every minute of having some slower days with each of you! I love you both to pieces!!! Love, MOM