“Is the sickness over yet, Daddy?”

How does one explain a pandemic to a five-year-old?

As we all watch numbers and trends shift around the globe, it’s evident: this is complicated. There’s no start and stop. There’s a lot of gray area.

And we experience clear restrictions amidst a complicated illness.

Our children will learn the value of hand washing. They will have an understanding of how viruses spread. They will know what it’s like to quarantine. And yes, some will know loss.

But hopefully, they will also learn how to use technology to maintain relationships. They’ll learn to be resourceful within constraints. They’ll develop new skills. And they’ll appreciate the sacredness of human connection.

The pandemic isn’t over yet. But the appreciation of health, family, friendship and connection isn’t over yet either.

And our best days are still ahead of us.