If you were to look at your life during COVID time in chapters, what would they be?
We have now been on lockdown for over a year, and I wanted to look at my life on the “forest” level, rather than the “trees”.
COVID time, for me, has been a lot of coping, adapting, and managing, at the “tree” level, and I was curious what I would see if I stepped back from the trees for a moment, and tried to see the forest.
My “chapters” came into my mind as soon as I asked myself the question.
I was surprised that my chapters had to do with dogs.
And, before I share my story, I want to say that my husband Harold and I have been extraordinarily fortunate during COVID time. Our challenges have been minimal, especially compared to many people who have experienced true hardship and tragedy. We have been blessed, and we are grateful.
The first part of lockdown, for us, was taking care of our dog Harper as his life was coming to an end. It was a sacred time and a very sad time. Harper was with us for 16 years, and we loved him deeply. Giving back to him, and loving him in this way was really important to us, a gift for him and for us, but it was a huge loss, too.
After Harper died, we were dogless for almost four months. This was unprecedented for us, and it seemed like an eternity. With lockdown, we felt lonely and isolated. We are dog people. Having dogs and caring for dogs make us better people. But, for various reasons, it was a few months before we met our “right” dog.
Then, we met Bella, a husky-mix rescue dog, who was clearly our dog. The rescue agency where we adopted her said she was one of the shyest dogs they had met. Our trainer said she was one of the most fearful dogs he had met. Our life instantly became one of helping her to feel safe and loved again, and eventually joyful. This is a long, careful process.
It really isn’t a surprise that my COVID year was defined by dogs (or the lack thereof). I am the best version of me when I am engaged with my dogs. They help me know love, and be love, in a different way than with my close human companions.
How does it help me to look at my COVID time in chapters? What’s important about this?
- I feel like it’s important for us to process what we have been through during COVID time, on the “forest” level. We’ve all been living in the “trees” for a long time.
- It helps me to consolidate my experience and to begin to put it in perspective.
- It tells me something about what is important to me: that I be the best person I can be.
What are your chapters, for your life in COVID time?
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