It was this time last year that the world stopped.
It was this time last year when I recall holding my breath outside, keeping my babies huddled as close as I could for safety, the news on all day long.
It was this time last year when we thought it was temporary. It was just in certain places. It wasn’t here.
It was this time last year when the floor fell out from under us, and teaching changed to emergency educating from home and classrooms closed to become open screens.
It was this time last year that I worked the hardest I have ever worked, as I taught from home to my big kids on screens, and to my own littles when the screens were not enough.
It was this time last year when I felt trauma anew and faced Anxiety in its fiercest form yet.
It was this time last year I said no to so many things, and yes to new ones.
It was this time last year that my mother sang happy birthday through the window and my son had the first-ever birthday parade of vehicles running before our home with balloons blowing in the fearful air.
It was this time last year that I did not realize that I had taken for granted free time, a restful sleep, good health, hugs and seeing those I loved without needing FaceTime.
However, it was also this time last year I watched the world’s ozone layer heal, my children avoid the regular flu season while they were masked, and family time become evermore treasured without needing to rush to various activities.
It was also this time last year that neighbours began to check-in on each other, teachers reinvented the classroom, and a family walk became, once-again, common place.
It was also this time last year that we came together with zooms and teams and pots banging, supporting those giving their lives for our safety.
It was also this time last year that I forced myself to stop to breathe and take the chances and try new things.
But, now, at this time this year, we break.
We break because we have been holding ourselves whole for more than 365 days of pandemic panic.
We break because we have not felt one since the first emergency broadcast.
We break to allow the rain to wash over us and begin a rebirth. A break in spring that sees sunshine and new possibilities.
Vaccines.
We break to breathe.
I cannot wait to see you when we return.
Be well. Be safe. And allow yourself to break, this time, this year.