Dear Harpeth Hills Family,

I moved my son out of his dorm room this morning while practicing social distancing. We were the only ones around. He was to graduate from college in May.

It was sad.

No graduation exercises, no hugging friends for that final good-bye, no clear ending to a wonderful college experience. Just load up two cars, throw away trash in the dumpster, hope the RA doesn’t notice the holes in the wall, and drive off.

All of us are experiencing loss. The 5-year-old can’t play tee-ball, the young couple marries at the courthouse instead of the big fancy wedding, vacations are scrapped, jobs disappear, grandparents can’t hug the grandchildren. The losses are mounting up.

We have lost our sense of control, our financial stability, and home schooling parents just might lose their minds.

But I have noticed a couple of things. Generally, folks are keeping a lid on whining. Most people realize we are all in the same boat so we might as well make the best of it. In the midst of a pandemic, complaining about inconveniences or not being able to go to Florida just doesn’t seem appropriate.

Second, people are stronger than they think they are. We don’t know what we can do until we have to. “We’ve got this” is a good motto.

And third, going through this challenge together is better than going it alone. I have been deeply touched by those who have called or texted just to check on me.

I almost typed see you Sunday. But we won’t, will we?

But we will one day. Until then. . .

I love you.

—Chris Smith