Mourning

When I think of mourning, I think of those I have lost. I think of the thousands of people that have succumbed to the virus. But this morning I was made aware of some other reasons to mourn.

I watched a story on TV this morning that showed a teacher standing in an empty classroom, holding her face mask, shoulders slumped, head bowed. There was such a poignant message to it. She expressed her sadness at not being able to see her students finish the school year, moving on to the next grade, or perhaps even preparing for their graduation. The realization that these moments are forever lost is a new kind of mourning. They only exist as memories now. Students have had to find new, unique ways to celebrate once-in-a-lifetime occasions.

Memories: how much more valuable they have become.

After I watched the teacher story,  my little bird greeted me, flapping enthusiastically at my window. He reminded me that it's a beautiful day. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. I take pleasure from hearing him and knowing that his joy is untainted by our troubles.