hello, little ones.
the world has been so busy these last few months, and so have you. eliza, you continue to blow us away every day with your vocabulary, your smile, and your penchant for loving the world around you. ben, you are growing so fast- your little roars, your hand-eye coordination, and best of all your ability to sleep through the night are astounding.
the world is still battling covid-19, the same virus that originated in China as far as we know and traveled so fast because of how interconnected we are. it shows this sort of problem isn’t just a problem for others, its our problem as humans. this brings me to my thoughts for you two today – the word mutual.
Webster’s dictionary defines mutual as:
mutual
1a: directed by each toward the other or the others; mutual affection
b: having the same feelings one for the other ‘they had long been mutual enemies’
c: shared in common; ‘enjoying their mutual hobby’
d: joint; their mutual advantage
2: characterized by intimacy; mutual contacts
3: of or relating to a plan whereby the members of an organization share in the profits and expenses
all in all, mutual means together, relying on each other. everyone is a member, but each person has responsibilities along with the benefits of working together. today, we are being asked to wear masks, not go out to stores or restaurants, and limit the people we talk to. It can be really hard, but wearing masks can dramatically reduce the risk of infection by 70%. That means when two people wear masks, even if one person is infected they have a much, much less chance of being infected thanks to mutual respect and protection of one another. Thats because each persons mask doesnt protect themselves- it protects the other person. when only one person wears a mask, both are still at high risk of infection. it takes mutual respect for one another for the reduction to work, and thankfully most people are doing it and are willing to protect one another.
mutual means we give, and we take. we give back to those who give to us, and take what we need. we give respect, and receive respect in turn. the system only works if the exchange is mutual; theres no room to be selfish, no room for seeing yourself as more important than anyone else.
so, when you see these days in videos or in history books, thats why so many people are wearing masks; not because our masks protect us from the virus itself, but because together our masks help everyone around us stay safe just in case we’re exposed. a mutual respect for one another to stay safe despite how uncomfortable it can be to wear a mask, especially in the summer.
there are lots of other things that are mutually beneficial to us and our people, like hand washing. Washing our hands gets all the stickies and dirties off our hands and helps us feel clean, but it also protects our people too. Underneath all those stickies and dirties can be germs and viruses we pick up from surfaces like door handles, shopping carts, money, etc. Not to worry, most of them are harmless. the rest we can usually take care of by washing our hands! good soap and warm water takes care of almost all of those germs and whatnot very effectively, protecting ourselves and our people around us. the same way wearing a mask works. if only one of us washes our hands, we’re both at risk.
we love you, little ones. your dad just got tested for covid19 yesterday and will be tested again tomorrow to see if a recent exposure at work will impact you. im so sorry youre going through this, and can only hope you dont remember any of it. your futures are so bright, so warm, and so full of love.
these days will end and well have gotten through it together, mutually.
I Promised Her A Dachshund 