L-O-V-E

Hey Neighbor!

Welcome back to THE NEIGHBORHOOD!  This week’s story is about finding community during a scary time.  

The world is so different now.  We wear masks.  There’s this overwhelming sense of fear.  People are stressed and scared.  I never imagined in my wildest dreams that the world would turn out like this.  Even on March 8th 2020, I never anticipated this. 

This new normal. 

Please God, don’t let this be normal.  

The COVID 19 Pandemic begins in March 2020 and I am still working, so I stay in New York. 

It’s odd. 

The restaurants are empty.  The streets, which are usually bustling, are quiet.  People that come into the bakery are obviously overwhelmed.  They are distressed but grateful that they can get their coffee and a sweet treat somewhere.  

A sense of normalcy. 

I’m so happy that I can help. 

But like I said, it’s quiet.  The streets are relatively empty. 

And then, the clock strikes 7 PM. 

All of the sudden, windows open, and people start cheering and clapping.  The woman who lives above the bakery plays New York, New York out her window. 

Cars start beeping and people stop walking and honor the healthcare heroes who are working so hard to keep this virus at bay. 

I head outside and marvel at how millions of strangers can assemble in this simple way every single day.  They cheer and clap and for a few minutes, I don’t feel so alone. 

I feel a part of something. 

There’s a sweet family who lives directly across the street.  They have two young kids and they always come to the window for the cheer.  They bang pots and pans. 

I start to send hearts with my hands from across the street. 

We start spelling L-O-V-E a la the YMCA. 

It’s a highlight.  Those two kids now come and visit me at the bakery all the time.  They even visit in their Halloween costumes for trick or treating. 

Imagine that! I manage to make new friends in the middle of a pandemic when we are supposed to be apart.  Somehow, the people of New York City stick together.  

I am grateful to be a New Yorker.  Thirteen years strong at the end of this month!  

The world may be different now, but I still see some hope.  A sweet old man comes into the bakery and as I pass him his coffee he says to me “We can’t smile at each other..I hate that, but I promise I’m smiling.”  “I’m smiling, too,” I say, “Please come back and visit.”  “I will,” he says and he walks away.  I’m so happy that we shared a smile through our masks.  

I may have to work a lot harder to connect.  To be kind.  But you know what?  I have a roof over my head, people that I love, and food on my table.  There’s still so much to be grateful for even now. 

I’ve learned that a kinder world is worth the effort. 

We need it, especially after these last months. 

Okay, Neighbor, it’s your turn.  How did you find community and hope during the pandemic?  Anything surprise you?  What did you do for yourself to take care of YOU during this time?  

I look forward to hearing your stories.  

I’ve Got You in My Pocket,

Jackie Ostick