Dear Stray Cat, Thank you. Thank you, Michael, for the gift you’ve given. 3 little babies, 3 little kittens. We gave you food but you made your own shelter. The hole in our deck now teems with life— 3 little kittens, curious and playful. Kittens in the lockdown! Who could ask for more? Xiaojin the brave. Plato the philosopher. Junior the momma’s boy. Michael the Mother. Thank you. Thank you, Michael, for the gift you’ve given. 3 little babies, 3 little kittens. Stray Cat, it is my hope that at the end of these weeks you no longer hiss and curse, I hope you feel the love of people like the warmth of the sun on these spring days. Thank you, Stray Cat, for the lockdown love Thank you. Thank you, Michael, for the gift you’ve given. 3 little babies, 3 little kittens. Kittens in the lockdown! Who could ask for more? Kittens in the lockdown! Who could ask for more? Kittens in the lockdown! Who could ask for more? Thank you, Stray Cat, for the lockdown love

Dear Dad, I can’t tell you how much it meant to me that we were able to talk the other day. I can’t stop thinking about how you said that you’ve lived a good life already and I shouldn’t worry so much, no matter what happens to you. Dad, I’m just not ready for that yet. I can’t tell you how much I worry about you, I know you’re highly vulnerable to becoming very sick If you are exposed to this thing. It’s not just your age, but it’s the fact that your lungs aren’t in that good of shape to begin with. Every day as I keep up with the latest numbers and research and projections, it doesn’t help my worry for you. I feel a responsibility to keep up to date and do my part. After all I will be seeing these patients in the clinic and I will also be on the front lines as a nurse. But when it’s not just my patients I worry about, it’s my family too... well, let’s just say I feel like my world is changing and will never be the same again. And when I told you that the numbers said we’d have 1 ventilator for every 50 patients who needed one and eventually we’d have to start making choices. And then that’s when I told you that you must be careful, if you got sick you’d surely be one that would need breathing support, but if it was a choice between you and a 30 year old mother of three, I know how’d the choice would turn out.... And you said, “I’ve lived a good life...”. I’m not ready for that dad. I’m not ready to see so much suffering that is surely coming. If not for us, than for so many families. My patients. The ones I am supposed to take care of. I’m not ready. This world will never be the same. I love you dad. Please don’t go to the grocery store any more. Please let my sister order your groceries over the internet for you to pick up. Don’t go to the hardware store and don’t go get donuts. Wash your hands. And wear the N95 I mailed you. They were lying when they said it wouldn’t help. Take care, please, take care From Your daughter who loves you

Dear young ones, I welcome you here but with an apology. The world’s not the place we all hoped it would be. It’s gotten polluted and crowded and mean. And now there’s a virus roaming unseen. But EACH generation must try turning the tide from the anger, politics, greed and pride and help heal the earth where we reside. So, my present to you that I hope you will take are things that I think might help you make the difference we need so life here can go on. I give you these gifts, here, in this song: Here is some humor so that you see even if life can be grim it won't always be. I give you kindness, it really makes you feel good To help others feel seen, loved, understood. A big batch of resilience is my next gift to you, It will help you to do those things you must do. So, welcome, dear young ones, we’re glad you are here. Take the love that we give you and share everywhere.

In these times of uncertainty, grief, and fear may we also experience love, growth, and hope. Maybe you, like me, went through your life Socially distant from others, because you were too tired, too busy, or needed the time to yourself. When this is over, you'll appreciate the opportunities to enjoy those you love. May you find new ways to connect. Maybe you thought you were somehow better than the person bagging your groceries or making your meal. When this is over, may you remember how you wouldn't have survived without them. Maybe your employer didn't believe in working from home. When this is over, may they recognize the value of flexibility for their employees and how they can adjust practices and still get productivity. Maybe you were wasteful of food or not grateful for what is readily available to you. When this is over, may you pause during your meals to remember these things are not guaranteed. Maybe you have sought medical care and were rude or impatient with the people caring for you. Now you see those people putting themselves at risk every day, they will see the worst of this, their hearts will break over and over, And if the worst happens they will experience trauma at levels rarely seen. When this is over, may you remember healthcare is a calling, it's not easy, and not only now but afterwards these people will need your support. Maybe you spent your free time inside using electronics, rarely getting fresh air or enjoying nature. When this is over, may you not take your environment —and freedom to enjoy it— for granted anymore. Maybe you were frustrated with your child's teacher and questioned their ability. When this is over, may you remember what it is to teach children and have a clearer, more compassionate viewpoint. May you gain skills to help your children learn. When this is over, may you remember to value those you love and what is truly important above all the noise. what is truly important above all the noise.

Working at an essential service is stressful. We are doing our best to help you. I sure appreciate your patience and understanding. I like it when you say thank you. The world has gone topsy turvy. Markets are volatile and people are losing money. Remember that through history things will improve again one day. Don’t panic, we are not yet dire. We’ll make sure you still have access to your money. We will help you through this time. I’m still here to make sure you get the right advice but please remember that I’m stressed and worried too. So please continue to be patient. In the words of bill s Preston esquire: be excellent to one another! But do it in a socially distancing way!

The sun was shining today after a few days of rain, now I have the time to sit and get my vitamin D the old fashioned way. Time to sit and think while the sun radiates on my skin. And even enough time to let time float by without thinking at all... I swear there are silver linings to this all. I am grateful to see them in the moments they appear. It’s like taking a sweet breather of fresh air before drowning down again. I talk more with my loved ones. And it’s easier to be united with my sweetheart. It’s that we don’t have a million pulls and tugs on our hearts and attention. We haven’t been this close in years and I feel like we’ve moved to a new level of true understanding in our relationship. All it took was letting go of the office and seeing each other’s faces more often. I swear there are silver linings to this all. I am grateful to see them in the moments they appear. It’s like taking a sweet breather of fresh air before drowning down again. Today I took my children out for a very long bike ride, everyone was happy and no bickering was happening. My adolescent daughter has turned back the clock and become sweet again. I knew those school friends were to blame for the sour puss she had become. I swear there are silver linings to this all. I am grateful to see them in the moments they appear. It’s like taking a sweet breather of fresh air before drowning down again. So many silver linings... Oh, and we’ve found in this very strange time and circumstance that the truth of the matter is that it is art and music that will save our sanity. How could we have forgotten that? Thank God for silver linings.

A letter to whom it may relate, Ways I’ve found to keep busy during an abundance of extended home hours. A simple list of activities to entertain and attempt to find light during a dark historical moment in time. We have been living in the thick of it since January 23rd and have managed to stay sane… mostly. Let’s pick the easy fruit first. 1- You can start watching a new TV show that you haven’t found the time for in the past, may I recommend The Expanse. 2. Start an epic book or series of books, I hear Harry Potter has one or two books to read. 3. Netflix is there for you, and if you’re one of the lucky ones you even might be able to find a bit of chill in there. 4. Cook- make that recipe that’s been simmering in the back of your mind or if you are as bad a chef as me learn how to just make a boiled egg without burning down your house… it’s times like these when you can elevate those simple life skills. Now on to the fun stuff! 5. It doesn’t matter what age you are to enjoy this next one… THREE, TWO, ONE your floor is now LAVA!! Don't touch it or you will melt! Solo or multiplayer this one will get you moving in ways you forgot your body could! Your welcome for the exercise, and take that, YOGA. 6. IF you are a board-gamer then you have a bazillion amazing ways to keep yourself entertained and many games have solo modes for those of us luxuriating in the solitary privacy of our home or apartment on our own. If you aren’t a board-gamer this is a perfect time to dip your toes into the waters of endless fun and entertainment. Try a round or two of “Bahamas”, “Codenames” or “Sushi Go” with family or friends to kiss your boredom blues goodbye. 7. Call a loved one and plan that dream vacation you both have always talked about. Dream travel budgets are the best travel budgets. Skydiving on Mars anyone? 8. Hit yourself with some truthbombs and discover areas of your life you’d like to work on. Finding my creativity was an area I wanted to improve, and was given a book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. It’s the first self-help book I’ve ever worked with in any significant way and it’s tools /ideas are excellent for tapping into your hidden creative side no matter who you are. Drop a bomb on your old self and come out of this experience stronger for it. 9. Scream and cuss! Go on try it now…. the song will wait for you… heck, scream along to this melody….. Get that Motherflipping, chicken dipping, donkey baloney off your chest. Stuff is heavy right now and it’s freakin’ OK to let that gasket go once and awhile. If you have others in your house see if you can make a chorus, releasing that garbage outta your system in 5 part harmony. Finally and most importantly, #10: Be bored. Guess what? It’s ok. It’s better than ok, it’s fantastic. Turn those screens off in your life for an hour, a half day, if you’re feeling frisky a whole dang day! Stare at a wall, your favorite plant, a picture of a grumpy cat—you decide—but let your mind wander, let your own thoughts do some talking for a bit. Listen to them, don’t always feel to urge to be doing. Be here, now. We all have our ways to cope and deal with this time. Can we find ways to thrive during this time? Most certainly. Find support in those around you and find support from within yourself. I’ve been enclosed in a tiny apartment in central Beijing for over two months and I’m here to say we will all get though this. Please share your own activities that have helped you get through some of the tougher moments. Know that everyone is fighting this together and please please be careful because the floor is still LAVA! Much love from the other side of the world, From Nathan

Hello there, As an American living in China, this Coronavirus crisis has been a daily part of my life now since January, so while I’m no expert, I thought I’d share some observations and experience. I was going to write these down, but I thought singing them might make them more memorable. So let’s call this 9 things to remember. Please stay at home. You probably already are. It’s one of the few things that we know can help for real. 2. Be prepared for sudden scary increases in confirmed cases and then followed likely by an increase in deaths, as a result of overlapping delays in showing symptoms, Social acceptance, testing and sheltering. After that will remain asymptomatic cases. Carriers. Remember pretty soon there will also be increases in recoveries, too. 3. Remember to beware a second black swan or setbacks while we’re vulnerable, such as personal injury, broken roof, a natural disaster, or problematic weather. Avoid guns, standing on ladders, and other activities that will put you in the hospital. They won’t have room. 4. Watch your utility usage and cook simple meals to keep your bills lower if you’re not usually at home. The grid isn’t used to this, and neither is your wallet. 5. This a great time to reset your sleep schedule. 6. Show public appreciation like they did in Barcelona for medical staff, sanitation workers, security guards, delivery workers, and anyone who is risking exposure to keep the world running. They probably aren’t getting all that much sleep right now. Beautiful acts of humanity can keep us sane. 7. Stay compassionate and avoid blame. We need to be proud of each other’s fortitude, but don’t be so proud that we don’t give or accept help. 8. Read international news and you will have an edge in what to expect. 9. Above all, stop checking your phone, twitter and TikTok . If you are staying in, then checking the news more than once a day will just freak you out. About 2-3 weeks into social distancing here people texted a lot less, I hope because they were focusing on their real lives. Thanks for listening. These are just some observations and thoughts to consider. I’d love to know your observations, too. Stay safe, keep sending updates. Love and safety to all, Kirk