March 21, 2020
This week, it’s been a lot.
A lot of tears were shed. A lot of heads were bowed in grief and anguish. A lot of uneasiness was felt. A lot of uncertainty took hold.
This week, the earth’s axis seemed to become unhinged. Inconsistently wobbling, heaving each one of us into a state of fear and anxiety. This week was a lot. We became unglued. The hysteria, the fear, the reality gripping our world...it is scary, it is real. It has consequences.
This week, a lot of normalcy vanished.
Megan, in her grief has watched in slow motion as the rest of the world has hastily prepared for what is potentially ahead. This family, at times barely manages to put one foot in front of the other. Getting through the days, hours, minutes of a “normal life” is an accomplishment in itself. A small, somber victory lies inside each normal moment that passes in this new life without Jon. But normal has suddenly and forcefully been yanked away. Imagine your fear, your uncertainty, your sense of longing for normalcy. Now imagine being asked to face that head-on as a widow, and newly single mom of three young children. If you can, imagine that.
While the world sinks deeper each day into a form of chaos outside; inside the Watson household, a unified calming presence of love and healing has miraculously taken hold. Each friend, each family member has acted as their own form of a “buffer” for Megan and her boys in the midst of all this uncertainty. The scary pandemic gripping our world has brought out the worst in a small few, but has also brought out the best in many worldwide and certainly within our Watson Nation. Without being asked, paper goods being hoarded by some, have been secured with loving patience in long lines and faithfully delivered to the Watson’s doorstep. Empty grocery aisles have not stopped the multiple meal deliveries. Each are still lovingly left, sometimes with kind notes or small gifts for each Watson boy. Roof leaks, light bulb changes, and screen doors have been changed or repaired within a moment’s notice. The house that Jon worked so hard for, and lovingly maintained is now faithfully encompassing this sweet, hurting family; sheltering them from the storm outside, banding each one of us together as we work to strengthen its walls so that life can go on.
And life has gone on. Saturday morning Megan’s boys, on their own accord, made her breakfast. Intuitively sensing that mommy’s spirits are low, her sweet little chefs cooked up a healing magical breakfast. And not just any breakfast; a homemade, perfectly seasoned, impeccably proportioned “J” pancake made with love just for Mommy. Two weeks ago, several of Jon’s friends pledged their support and undying love for Jon and family by getting a personalized tattoo in honor of him. This week, while flipping through the guest book for Jon’s now-postponed Celebration of Life, Wyatt (4) adoringly kissed each page with daddy’s photo. Earlier this month, each Watson boy received a “Daddy” pillow; Jon’s picture in the shape of him, and a personalized “Daddy” blanket with pictures of Daddy and each one of them displayed. Each boy squeezing Daddy tight and covered with his love as they fall asleep every night.
Yes, a lot has changed, but life has gone on. Although the world may currently be off its axis, the Watson family’s compass still remains, undistracted and steadfastly focused.
In times like these please keep in mind: it’s ok to be lost, it’s ok to wander, it is ok to be scared, as long as you find your way back. Remember, there are always bright places even in darkest of times.
#WatsonNation