Page 11 - FDCC Pandemic Book

Living in a Pandemic: A Collection of Stories on Coping, Resilience & Hope
For me, the political strife surrounding the election and Covid stats seem inconsequential. Caroline has become the priority. Who has the time or desire to pay attention to the constant barrage of mudslinging by pundits and politicians when Caroline is holding my finger with her tiny hand. It is actually pretty amazing how much time I find myself spending just staring at her and wondering what the world has in store for her as she gets older. Will she be an athlete, a musician, a mother (or all the above)?
Of course, real world events do matter and the deaths caused by Covid have touched all of us. But in this darkness I have found a bright and powerful light. Caroline provides perspective and a constant reminder of the wonders that life offers. Looking at her, you cannot help but see hope and possibility.
Four months into my new role, I am still trying to find my grandfather legs. I do not even know what my name is going to be – it is down to two right now, Chief and Grandpa. Whatever my name is, I am pretty sure that I will fall into the spoiling type. My goal (if I’m lucky) will be to witness firsthand most of her own personal milestones.
Truth be told, 2020 will always be a very special year for me because it marked the beginning of a new generation. There is a sense of magic and joy seeing Courtney holding the baby that represents the family projecting far into the future.
This brings me back to Lion King and Simba being shown to all from Pride Rock, the song that is playing is “Circle of Life”. I have never paid much attention to that song – except of course to the beginning when some guy belts out some way cool African lyrics that I seem to nail in the shower, but nowhere else. In writing this I actually listened to the lyrics and thought in a small way it captured how Caroline has helped carry us through the challenges we faced this year.
It’s the circle of life
And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love
‘Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life1
1 Written by: Elton John, Tim Rice Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
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