Little recuerdos collected through the years enhance my bedroom’s wall.
My pre-pandemic life had become so hectic; it seemed like a full day was never enough— between work, shoots, deadlines, projects, events, socials and travels. It had all become one giant whirlwind!
Being in quarantine was an abrupt shift. Living with a father who’s in his 90s meant strictly staying home with stringent health protocols. Beyond the initial fears and uncertainty of the crisis, I began to see this time of solitude as a period of grace. I immersed myself completely in the house and garden. Who ever thought that sorting out closets, cleaning up piles of papers, photographs and endless things; refreshing living spaces; and tending to the garden would bring real contentment? It was almost therapeutic.
It’s hard to believe that eight months have passed. The peace and solitude of home life led me to take a real step back, to be still, to rethink priorities. One of the biggest blessings has been rediscovering my prayer and spiritual life— truly a gift.
While our country and the world continue to face multiple challenges, perhaps one important lesson from the pandemic is that it has helped me put things in perspective and realize what really matters in life.
