“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Boy was she right. We have been dealing with something new — social isolation with fear. Know that we are doing it well, in protecting ourselves and those we love.

I miss my friends in the Association of Lifelong Learners. I miss going to the programs and the opportunity to learn and enjoy something new.

I hate saying to my children, “I love you — Stay home.”

On the happy side, it has been a great time for introspection. I have time to watch the birds fly into the the budding trees.

Eagerly I watch to see the newborn fawns. When I was running here and there, I forgot to breathe in all the beauty around me. Can anyone look at daffodils and not smile? Except those rushing past.

I used to bake a cake and rush it fresh to wherever it was going. Today I’m sitting on the couch smelling chocolate. I’m glad I have a nose.

COVID-19 is an evil. But the power of kindness is a greater good. Kind is such a small word, but it means so much.

Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Buddha and Jesus all taught kindness by word and actions. We need to follow their example in our words and deeds. Small kindnesses can change the recipients’ day and bring a smile to their face.

Our leaders seem to be more interested in their own agenda than showing interest or kindness to their constituents. Isn’t that shameful?

I leave you with a question. My Irish ancestors believed that mischievous fairies or leprechauns would return kindness. So why, when I leave cookies out each night, which have disappeared by morning, do no leprechauns enter and do my housework? Are they politicians?

Blessings on all of you who are kind.