COVID-19 

3/27/2020

Three hopes

Dear Friends,

I hope that you have found a few of the keys to minimizing hardship during a crisis. Such as: someone who will listen with care, an activity that brings you some uplift, time to go outdoors and hear the birds in fresh air, a momentary interesting distraction, a chance for a full-on cry, books or music that ease your mind and heart, something that makes you laugh. I believe that each of us can find a few of those keys, even if we need to search a bit, or request a loan from a friend.

The COVID pandemic is causing some worry, sadness, and fear in everyone I know. Perhaps it’s the same for you. My hope is that while each of us is feeling our pangs and ache, we can find ways to be in the pain without becoming of the pain. What do I mean? That it can be healthy to speak openly about feelings, especially in such fraught times. Whether in pairs, small groups, or large gatherings – it can be relieving to give words to our anxieties, liberating to know others are also unnerved, and reassuring to share experiences in times of isolation. That’s being “in” the pain. To be “of” the pain is to begin letting our words and behaviors be predominantly driven by panic. To experience grief and fear so thoroughly that calm and connection are hard to find. I am grateful that our Hickman community, though in pain, is channeling that into a hyper-dedication to maintain everyone’s health.

As each of us on campus participates in the life of our community, hour by hour, we are centered on the protection and safety of our residents. As the days roll on without visitation access to your loved ones in residence here, we understand the upset this causes. We know. Like you, we eagerly await the lifting of restrictions.

My third hope is that you, the residents’ family members, friends, neighbors and loved ones, feel as much a part of The Hickman Community as those of us “on campus.” To help with that, our Facebook and Instagram accounts are updated daily, including many pictures. You’ll see many photos of our seniors participating in “video chats.” Some folks use their phones and computers with ease while others are learning for the first time. We recently received several donated tablets to ensure that each resident can “see” their families during conversation – let us know if you’d like to initiate such a call.

Please be easy on yourselves and others during this tender time. We will continue doing our dedicated best to ensure safety, comfort, and joy for each and all of our residents. If you have suggestions or requests related to how we might improve, emails to jkarsten@thehickman.org are welcome. (I may not be able to respond to all, but all will be read with appreciation).

In Community, with Gratitude,

Jen Karsten
Executive Director