Sunday, March 22, 2020

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2009. Mattie was in his room playing. You will notice that there was chaos all around us. We built forts made out of blankets and had toys and gifts piled up all around us. Because Mattie had trouble moving around and couldn't walk, he started using hand grabbers. Honestly Mattie's spirit and resilience were amazing, because the average person facing his same physical challenges and cancer treatment most likely would have been cowering in the corner.  






Quote of the day: Total confirmed Coronavirus cases in the USA: 32,644. With total deaths in the USA: 402. Info provided by Johns Hopkins

I opened up our blinds this morning and saw...... police cars and trucks! This is Route 66, a main highway in our region. Yet things were coming to a stand still. I immediately knew why...... they were trying to prevent traffic to the tidal basin where the cherry trees are located.  

This afternoon, we took Sunny back to the National Mall. I could feel my anxiety as we were approaching the Mall, because I was fearful of running into groups and groups of people like we did yesterday! 

However, this was today's sight! This is Independence Avenue, a main route through our City. It was closed off and therefore the traffic jam we saw yesterday in this location was non-existent today.

Instead Independence Avenue was open to walkers, bicycle riders, and skaters. We passed many people who felt that DC should always close off this avenue during Cherry Blossom season. As there is something special about walking the city without car traffic. 

The trees are glorious! It almost looks like they are covered in snow. 

The backdrop of the Washington Monument. Though there were people walking about, it was NOTHING like yesterday. Social distancing was happening and I was thrilled to see a police presence. 

Glorious no? A sight to be seen during the absolute chaos we are facing each day. 

A close up. We all have ways to cope with the intense stress we are living with, for me it helps to walk and to check out the surprises nature has in store for us this spring. 

The Washington Monument and the Cherry Blossoms. 

Right outside our complex is this wonderful planting! Vibrant and springy. To me this gives us hope. Hope which I admit is hard to hold onto when we are told that we need to stay in place for what could be months.