It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write. Admittedly, I’ve been struggling with my mental health since last summer as our family faces some difficult changes. With everything going on in the world right now, I’m becoming utterly drained both mentally and emotionally. I’m sure most of us are. There is so much fear and uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic that as of yet, I have struggled to put my thoughts and feelings into words.

In a time where we are quite literally isolated from the outside world, I’ve realized that nothing feels as lonely as the hate and selfishness that is ensuing around us.

Many of us have not experienced something like the pandemic we’re facing today. People are out of work and have no money coming in to provide for their families. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, and even siblings have become teachers overnight. The grocery stores are empty, and parents are struggling to find food and diapers for their babies. The elderly and immune-compromised aren’t having their basic needs met because they’re too terrified to leave their homes or open their front doors. The entire country is shutting down little by little, with no guess as to when this will be over.

In times like this, it’s essential to find common ground and rally as a community, even if it’s from afar. We are all going through this, and it is truly disheartening to see so many of us forget who we are and where we come from. Stories of people robbing the elderly of their groceries, customers physically fighting over something as trivial as toilet paper, and babies going without formula because others are unwilling to share or buy only what they need. Keyboard warriors are spewing their political agendas on social media, spreading hate and jokes at the expense of others, instead of offering support and kindness in a time of so many unknowns.

Living in a community of military families, one would hope that we would all be able to pull from our experiences and lean on one another. While some are showing grace, selflessness, and compassion, many are forgetting to even practice common decency. In a life that is already filled with ups and downs, constant anxiety, and loneliness, the last thing we should be doing is tearing down the ones who are cut from the same cloth. Rather than condemning other people for handling this situation differently than yourself, acknowledge that each individual is merely doing the best they can, taking it day by day, and learning as they go.

I am not perfect, and this evolving crisis is trying my family in new ways every day. Honestly, there have been times that I’ve let the stress and anxiety bring out the worst in me. I’ve said things I wish I hadn’t and have been selfish out of fear. It’s normal to be emotional at a time like this, but we mustn’t let those emotions drive us. Now more than ever, we should be instilling good morals and values into our children, demonstrating how to be resilient in a very unforgiving world. Our children are a direct reflection of us. They are our hope for a better tomorrow, and they are the change this world needs. Teach them patience, kindness, and compassion. Show them how rewarding it is to help someone in need.

Lead by example, and be the person you hope for your children to be.

Tonight I beg you to remember that we are stronger together. No matter your political or religious views, your race, sexual orientation, age, gender, or economic status, we’re all in this fight together. If we stand divided, we will continue to fall apart. There is not much we can control these days, but we can control our actions and the words that come from our mouths.