This month, STRiV proudly, yet quietly achieved a milestone: its one-year anniversary.
At the beginning of 2020, we were contemplating what an incredible journey starting a new program has been, and how fast time seemed to be moving. As we set goals and made plans for the year, we felt the excitement building – in just a few short months, we’d be celebrating our one-year anniversary!
The thought was thrilling. We immediately considered a variety of possibilities in how we’d like to commemorate this accomplishment, and while the details were yet to come, we knew it had to be a celebration shared with the countless others who believe in us and have supported us along the way.
But today looks very different from what we envisioned at the beginning of the year. Though we are extremely proud of our program, and the team that’s pulled it together, a “party” of sorts just doesn’t feel right.
The novel coronavirus has changed the world. In the midst of all the chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve constantly tried to see the good – the “Silver Linings” illuminated by the truly great people and things that inspire hope. And although physical distancing has been (and continues to be) critical in slowing the spread of this virus, we’ve experienced the power of ongoing SOCIAL CONNECTION through the gift of technology. Like you, we’ve seen remarkable things: more time together as families; rekindling old hobbies or refining current interests; reaching out to loved ones and old friends with a deeper sense of care, just to check-in and say hello; nightly celebrations and expressions of gratitude for the heroic dedication of all those diving into harm’s way to help a stranger. In spite of it all, there are SO MANY things to celebrate right now!
Yet we cannot ignore the suffering. And there’s been a lot of suffering. At the time of this writing, the number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the U.S. alone is 55,383. Globally, that number is 202,368. This is nearly incomprehensible. These staggering numbers paint a very real, devastating picture of the enormity of this pandemic. But just like every tree in the forest means something, EVERY ONE of those numbers represents one of our fellow human beings – a life, and a story. Reading about, listening to, or even being a part of any of those stories, provides a small glimpse of the now empty space, and the heartache that remains.
Beyond the tens of thousands who have paid the ultimate price, millions more are suffering in different ways and in varying degrees. There are approximately 3.5 million high school seniors in the U.S. slated to graduate this summer, finish their varsity season, and/or cap off their high school journey with senior prom – none of which will happen. Vacations have been cancelled. Excitedly anticipated study abroad opportunities halted. Businesses are hanging on by a thread, or have already closed their doors. Millions have lost their jobs, and unemployment claims have hit numbers never seen before.
On top of the physical invasion of COVID-19 lies the unsparing assault on our mental health. These are scary, uncertain times that are planting the seeds of even more fear and anxiety for what the future may hold AFTER this pandemic subsides. Since the beginning of the “shelter in place” orders, domestic violence has risen sharply, there has been a dramatic increase in alcohol use, and for many, their “sense of self” has been significantly eroded.
As we’ve pondered on this unprecedented time, and considered the strength and struggle of so many, the word “REVERENCE” comes to mind – a feeling or attitude of deep respect. And so, while we are thrilled to hit our one-year mark, these very difficult times demand something different: a more reverent celebration.
In honor of those who are suffering; of those who continue to fight the fight in exhausting, selfless ways; of those struggling to make sense of the world right now – we are privileged to forego the party and say “thank you” in more meaningful ways.
Will you join our reverent celebration?
This type of celebration entails service. It requires kindness and compassion. It may look like donating food & funds to feed the hungry. It could involve saving a life by giving blood. In short, this type of celebration demands doing what we can with what we’ve got to ease someone’s suffering, and make the world a little bit better. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate.
As we launch into our second year, we feel extremely fortunate. We have a strong team, meaningful and mutually beneficial professional relationships, and we get to work with incredible families & students. Throughout this first year (and especially right now), we have leaned heavily on our core values – resilience, courage, integrity, and harmony – and we are better today than when we started. Thank you for your support and your well-wishes.
And…we are grateful for all who join our REVERENT CELEBRATION by doing something within your sphere of influence to add a little more light and love to those around us.
We are also grateful for this special anniversary, and look forward to many more in the years to come.
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