Featured Refresh
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Describe an experience this week that made you happy.
We took my son to an aquarium this week and it was so nice to have an outing to enjoy together. After so long with everything closed, restricted, or too risky, I have so much gratitude for these times when we get to go out and feel normal again. It was also a happy day because my son, who is quite cautious and tends to withdraw from uncomfortable or risky-seeming things, did something that for him was very brave. We were at the touch tank and we kept showing him how fun and safe it was to touch the rays. The aquarium staff explained that they have no teeth and their stingers are removed. But he wouldn't do it, not even once. However, about 45 minutes later, he asked to go back to the touch tank. He put his hands in the water, touched many of the rays, and even fed them a few fish. He was really excited, and I was so proud of him for getting up the courage to go back and try. We had seen some regression in him with the isolation of the past year, but this was a hopeful moment of progress and growth!
July 30, 2021
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How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.
Suitcase packed and ready to go... KN95 masks and rapid antigen tests included. Headed off in an hour to the airport for our first flight since January 2020. Can't quite believe it. We're going across the country from east coast to west coast to sunny southern California. I thought I felt ready to get back on the plane, but today, I've been nervous... what if the 3rd person in our row next to my husband and me isn't vaccinated or is one of those people who lets his/her mask slide or claims to be eating/drinking the whole flight so it is ok for the mask to be down around their chin? I wish domestic flights required vaccines like international ones. Sigh... Well, I don't control that or the person who is sitting next to me. So, I'll practice my deep breathing and focus on the upcoming vacation. Wish me luck!
February 13, 2022