"I do not feel like going out tonight"

"I do not feel like going to school today"

"I hate having to go to the grocery store today"

I cannot count how many times these phrases have slipped out of my mouth. What a fool I am to constantly complain about nothing, absolutely nothing. There are not many bigger problems in our world now, and I am so embarrassed to not realize my "problems" at the time are not even problems. How I wish I could go back in time to enjoy those moments I dreaded, such as getting ready to go out or going to school and gym.

2020 has been a hell of a year and it is only April. The entire month of March felt like an entire year itself. The month started with me packing my bags to come home for spring break. Little did I know I would be staying home for more than a week. I have no idea how long I will be home now. It is safe to say the coronavirus is taking a toll on our country. Schools are closing. Businesses are closing. Events are getting cancelled. People are getting sick and dying. Our beautiful country is hurting.

With me social distancing in my home for the past couple of weeks, I have been able to do a lot of thinking. I have been thinking about our educators, who did not prepare for this pandemic and are having to finish teaching their students online. I have been thinking about students, who are hurt they cannot finish the school year with friends and their beloved teachers. I have been thinking about both college and high school seniors, who cannot enjoy their last moments of school and are losing those "last" memories they should be able to hold forever to their heart. I have been thinking about our doctors, nurses, first responders and other health professionals, who put their lives at risk every single day to heal those affected by this horrible disease.

This nasty disease has taken so much from so many. I hurt for those who are hurting. I long for the day when this is all over with, and we can resume with our normal daily lives. I never thought I would see a day come where I would actually say the words, "I wish I was at school right now". Never again will I complain about having to wake up for school or go fight the crowd at the grocery store. What I wouldn't give to be sitting in the library right now crying because I am stressing about an assignment I waited until the last minute to start. I will soak up every moment and treasure every memory I make after we pass through these uncertain times. What a beautiful day it will be when we can see, hug, and talk each other again in person.

My hope is that we will all appreciate every moment in life once this is all over. We can learn something from these horrific times: live in the moment and live a positive lifestyle. Enjoy your time at school while you can. Go to the gym. Have fun while you are waiting in line at a store. Go out every chance you get. Go see your family. Give thanks for what you have. This pandemic we are living through will pass. We will overcome this, and we will heal from this.

A huge thanks to all who are fighting on the front lines. My prayers go out to all hospital workers, police officers, grocery store workers, postal workers, and everyone else working through this crisis. Everyone stay strong, stay home, and stay safe. We are alone together.