To my husband and our future family. Forever thankful we were able to wed before being separated by an ocean and a global pandemic. During these trying times, I still take heart in the fact that our plans are simply on pause, and I cannot wait to resume our life together.

To those expecting in a time of uncertainty. To separated and impacted families.

Stronger even than before
So we could get to loving you.

It was a hard time for the world,
but we knew we'd make it through...

We dreamed of our next warm embrace,
of no longer being alone.

We weren't sure when we’d meet again,
used video chat and the phone.

knowing many needed us to,
knowing many needed hope.

We each did the best we could,
small acts like washing hands with soap,

We bonded over common ground,
or took the time to self-reflect.

We had to keep our distance
but still wanted to connect.

Neighbors sang from balconies
to help each other feel all right.

Through it all, we had our heroes.
People found ways to unite.

Planes were grounded, borders blocked.
Yet we could still take heart:

Friends and families separated,
maybe thousands of miles apart.

seeing new headlines hourly
about uncertain times worldwide.

Schools and parks were closing.
Everyone was stuck inside,

A novel virus was spreading
at a very rapid pace.

The year was 2020,
and the world was a scary place.

Still Take Heart