remember that one time?

hey, remember that one time I went on a mission kind of? the one where I waited 2 months for my call and then another month for my official assignment? yeah, the one where I was pretty bummed about at first and then I got pretty excited about. also the one where I was only there for 3 days until it all got shut down. hah, nice.

remember that one time when I went home and found out our microwave had exploded and our fridge was broken and then my car broke the next day? remember that one time where we were all quarantined and we couldn’t see any of our beloved friends and family? remember that one time this virus spread all over the world and killed thousands of people? oh yeah, that’s still happening.

remember that one time our prophet, President Nelson released a message of hope and it was the number 1 trending video on youtube? remember that one time where hundreds of people of all different faiths and backgrounds found peace and comfort in that video? remember that one time where thousands of missionaries were being sent home so they could be with their families during this trying time? remember that one time where we were all scared and confused? wait, I still feel like that.

remember that one time where the sun was shining and the birds were chirping and kids were riding their bikes up and down the streets? remember that one time where the snow was falling gently and you wanted nothing more than to build a snowman and then drink some hot cocoa afterwards? remember that one time where you got all dressed up for halloween and you were so excited to show your friends your costume and get so much candy that night? remember that one time where school was terrible and boring and you were sick of the homework but at least you got to see your friends? I miss that.

remember that one time when you woke up and you looked out on to the streets and it was silent? remember that one time where going to the grocery store wasn’t a fear of yours? remember that one time when there was toilet paper on the shelves and you actually had options? remember that one time where you looked at your child and you were so proud of them and not afraid of their future? remember that one time where politicians and leaders fought over anything and everything when there was actual people dying? remember that one time they told us all about social distancing and how we need to stay inside our houses to protect ourselves and people still went out? remember that one time where they said one person couldn’t change the world? ask mr undercooked bat man about that one.

truth is, I’ve never been more afraid of what the future holds, but I’ve also never felt more peace. I feel like it’s gonna be awhile until things go back to they were, and maybe they never truly will. things are frustrating and confusing and it’s all kind of sad, but we have no choice but to go on. things will be good again. it’s okay to be frustrated and upset and sad and mad about all that’s going on, but it’s also okay to laugh and smile and see good.

how lucky are we to feel utter bliss and happiness, but also true despair and sadness all in the same lifetime

how lucky are we to be able to see first and forehand how amazing the world can be and how we can come together so fast

how lucky are we to be in a position to be grateful for the things we have before the chaos hits

how lucky are we to know that this is temporary

this too shall pass. it may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass

how lucky are we to feel love and to be loved in a world where so much hate can exist

how lucky are we to have modern medicine to help us through all the many illnesses

how lucky are we to see colors and to feel the wind in our hair and hear the bees buzzing and to be alive

how lucky are we to have the things we do

remember that one time where there was so much chaos in the world yet we knew we would be okay? yeah, me too

-c