Saying goodbye to my birth month with a pondering heart.
My April 2020 will be remembered with humility, appreciation, and a little bit of sadness.
It is humbling to have celebrated my birthday in the midst of a pandemic; no celebratory dinners with family and friends, no long post about how being 37 came with a bang. Everything is much simpler yet it made me appreciate more than ever the gift of family, friends, health and time.
My birthday is on a Black Saturday. For Catholics, it means that it is towards the end of the Holy Week wherein we commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Unlike in previous years wherein we have family traditions such as Praying the Stations of the Cross and Visita Iglesia (visiting 7 churches), this year all Catholics were advised to forego that because of the pandemic. However, personally, I felt like this year has the most impact for me as it deeply reminded me that practicing my faith is more about my heart and my soul more than being at churches.
This month ends with a lot of realization. I also have a newfound appreciation to slowing down. I am grateful that as this month ends I am safely at home with my family, secured in the warmth and comfort that the people I hold dear are safe and healthy as well. Sadly though, I know that not everyone is experiencing the same as there are those fighting for their lives, worrying for their loved ones and grieving for lives lost. There are those who have not seen home for a while so they can take care those who are sick. There are those who risk their safety in performance of their duties just so those like us can have our necessities without the need to go out of our homes. Each night I say a prayer for all of them and for those deeply affected by this pandemic physically, financially, emotionally and mentally.
A new month awaits. I sincerely hope that it will be a better one for each and everyone of us. Brighter days are ahead.