- June 15, 2022 Sister Stories
by Sister Patrice Coolick
How do we find healing in a COVID world?
Frightening. Maddening. Annoying. Depressing. Angering.
These are just a few words to describe how we feel about the COVID-19 pandemic. It has affected us physically, emotionally, mentally and socially. How can we turn the trauma we have experienced into an opportunity for transformation?
Transformation is not just about looking at things differently. It’s about behaving differently. It’s about being different. It demands that we resist relying on our education and expertise as the grounds for what we “know,” but that we allow our feelings and intuition to open us to new ways of knowing.
The things that helped sustain me throughout the pandemic and gave me the courage to open myself up to possibility are the 5 F’s: faith, family, friends, fitness and fun.
Faith
There were times I felt danger was around me, around us, in the form of viruses. It was a helpless, useless feeling. I was afraid and anxious and needed grounding. The Mass, even on Zoom, was helpful. The sense of community I felt when we prayed together gave me the sense of hope that I needed.
One of the greatest shelters in our life is that circle of invisible prayer that surrounds us, created by our family and friends here and in the world unseen. By opening myself to this awareness, I experienced a new sense of unity. “We are all one,” has taken on a deeper meaning for me. We are all interrelated.
Family
My nephew died two years ago in Indiana and my brother died 18 months ago in Florida. We couldn’t gather at the time, but the longing we all felt in the center of our hearts was deep and profound. The awareness of that connection and love was a gift.
Last August, we gathered in Michigan for a memorial for my nephew and brother. We were so happy to be together. I believe it gave us a deeper awareness of what is really important and what we mean to each other. It was a transformative grace moment.
Friends
During those long pandemic days, we longed to be connected with friends. We got creative and looked for any opportunity to meet. We met in our yards and on our patios. My patio has never looked so good! We met online. While not my forte, it enabled me to take a deeper look at myself and be more open and vulnerable in my sharing.
I had one friend who was in rehab with complications from COVID. Visitors weren’t allowed but she was in a room on the first floor. I would walk through the shrubs and put my hand on the window. She got in the wheelchair and put her hand on mine. We couldn’t speak, but the touch was enough.
Fitness
I went walking every day, sometimes by myself and sometimes with friends. It was another gift of being in nature and being aware of God’s amazing creation, being surrounded by divine energy.
This was—and is—a time to listen to our bodies. Slowing down, we could look at the tests, the exams the appointments that we put off because we were “too busy.” It is a reminder that we must always prioritize our health and be as proactive as possible.
Fun
Even in the darkest days, we need fun. Take pleasure in the simple joys of each moment, like the purple iris that pops open, one I never even planted. Or the young child that spontaneously dances outside when they hear music. Or the smiles of the older couple who were so happy you delivered their groceries.
We are called to be present to people. Our invitation is to become the reason for someone to have joy, to be happy, to feel important, to feel loved. The result – we will feel alive, important and loved. There is no greater gift to receive than that overwhelming love of our God that we share with the dear neighbor.