Anxiety and Trepidation

01-10-2021Nurse's LetterShannon David, RN, NCSN

Waking up Monday morning, after my “long winter’s nap”, I found myself experiencing feelings of anxiety and trepidation. It is difficult to comprehend how at the very same time we are witnessing the deployment of our best defense against COVID (the vaccine) the number of cases continues to climb, reaching levels not seen before. We must not forget that each one of these “cases” is a person. Some of those people are connected to our school community. This means that some members of our community, who were identified as close contacts of a COVID positive person, could not return to in-person school on Monday. The need to quarantine, no doubt, fills one with anxiety and trepidation. As I spoke to parents, staff and students on Monday, many relayed feelings of anxiety and trepidation.

Thankfully, as the week unfolded, the rhythms and routines of school life took over--morning prayer, religion class, School Mass, teaching, learning, laughing--and the anxiety and trepidation so palpable on Monday began to fade. It was readily apparent that everyone had returned to school remembering, and practicing, those things that help to make us “Smart, Healthy & Holy”. By Friday dismissal, it felt like just another school week, albeit in the midst of a pandemic. The week was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community and our “Home & School” partnership. We patiently await the return of those members of our community in isolation or quarantine. For it is here, at OLMC, that the balm for anxiety and trepidation is available! Let’s be ready to dispense that balm to all--not just by showing our kindness but by showing His Love!

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!

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