I cried today.
With a fully stocked fridge, functioning body and reliable WiFi.
Without the added pressure of teaching children at home,
or treating patients in a maxed-out hospital.
With a job that allows me to still work and earn a paycheck.
And friends who patiently accept my anxiety,
about recording Marco Polo messages and having nothing to share.
Who continue to reach out, just like my family,
thankfully still healthy and connected.
With up-to-date prescriptions and auto-renewal subscriptions,
which help to steel my mind and keep me distracted,
I still cried today.
For the first time since all of this started.
I didn’t expect my voice to crack when it did,
or for my eyes to well up so quickly.
But once they joined the Skype call with my co-worker,
there was no turning back.
I was no longer on mute.
She kindly let me get it out,
from inside the comfort of my small but safe apartment.
In a neighborhood with Little Free Libraries,
where parents are playing catch with their kids in the alley.
And a cherry blossom tree is showing off right outside my door.
I cried and cried and cried.
I don’t share these details to make unhelpful comparisons,
but to recognize we all have our own realities.
As we’ve always had our own stories as well.
This just happens to be the one only I can tell,
complete with unearned luxuries.
I cried today.
And then I walked.
For three hours and 23,219 steps.
It was the first time I had been outside since Sunday.
I started with my normal route to the office and then kept walking.
Until the weight in my chest became lighter and the day grew darker.
Until my legs hurt and my mind cleared and
I finally felt capable of managing this moment in time.
This exact moment, nothing more.
Then I walked home,
where I used to be annoyed by the incessant cherry blossoms
who invite themselves in on the soles of my shoes.
Now, they remind me “Spring always comes when it’s time.”
My friend Lauren shared that beautifulline with me yesterday.
I still owe her a response.
Anyway, I know you and I had exactly
nothing and everything in common today.
But you were on my walk.
I held you close in spite of all this distance.
And just like those damn blossoms I can’t bring myself to sweep
off my floor tonight,
you are still with me.
Until we all start again tomorrow.
