Although I have lived in my neighborhood for about 8 years, I have never really gotten to know my neighbors.  The small town of Sykesville, MD has seemed to consist of folks who mostly stay inside, so the most I knew about my neighbors was (1) who has dogs (because Marshall, my dog, always insists on an introduction), and (2) who people are voting for by the political signs in their yards.

Since COVID-19 hit, however, I’ve been getting to know my neighbors.  We haven’t talked any more than we had in the past, but something about the isolation seems to have sparked personal, public announcements to let the rest of us know their house is inhabited by humans experiencing life in all of its fullness.  Because of signs in yards up and down my street, I know which house has a high school senior, and where the 5th grade graduates live.  I know who had a birthday: Ruth just turned 75, according to the chalk on her driveway, and Jeremy turned 16, per the balloons on his mailbox.

 There are other signs popping up, too: “Hate has no home here,” says one.  “Black Lives Matter!” proclaims another.  There’s a second story window with a little hand drawn sign that says, “Happy Pride!” in all the colors of the rainbow.  Someone taped handmade signs to their front door, drawn by little hands proclaiming “BLM!”.  There are chalk drawings up and down the street on the driveways and sidewalks and in the cul-de-sac: flowers and rabbits and hopscotch boards and huge letters proclaiming “Anthony was here!!!!”

Yesterday afternoon, I was walking home when I saw a woman standing in her doorway behind the storm door.  I waved, and she broke into a huge smile, waving enthusiastically with both hands.  I smiled and laughed as she gave me two thumbs-up, like I was finishing the final stretch of a marathon.

I’m thinking about them – about Ruth and Jeremy.  About the graduates, the protesters and activists, and the kid with the Pride sign.  I remember, even when the chalk and balloons and signs have disappeared, and hope Ruth is well when I pass her house.  I wonder if Jeremy is learning to drive.  I hope the 5th grade graduate is enjoying the start of their summer vacation.  I hope the woman who waved has someone to talk to – someone to visit with through this, and I look for her every time I walk by.

And I’m thinking about all of you, too.  Like the woman in my neighborhood, I am over here smiling and waving and giving you two thumbs-up as we make our way through this marathon of quarantine and social distancing together.  

I have loved meeting with so many of you this summer – that, too, has led me to feel more connected than ever to the WES community.  I will be with you until July 31st, and would love to give you the smiles and thumbs-up personally (via Zoom, or over the phone if you prefer).  If you feel a pastoral care session would be helpful, send me an email (LauraS@ethicalsociety.org) or give me a call (202-897-3863).  You can also join me on Zoom on Mondays at 7pm (Grief Discussion Group), Tuesdays at 7pm (various COVID-19 coping topics), or Wednesdays at 7pm (Compassion for Ourselves group), all available here: tiny.cc/meetwithlaura. 

I cannot wait to connect with you.  
With two thumbs-up,
Laura Solomon