Dear Main Street Members,

I imagine many of you are settling into the uneasiness and uncertainty of today’s surreal reality. Many are in need of healing and connection. I am with ya! Whether you are meditating, enjoying sunshine when you can or eating everything in your pantry (that would be me!!), we are each finding our own ways to cope with fear and/or grief, lack of routine and the interruption of life.

I am so grateful to have my sons all in my home. That is one of the things bringing me comfort amidst my fear and worry. Between work calls and virtual connects with our peers and colleagues, we are sharing past family memories, playing games, walking miles and miles around our neighborhood and are leaning on each other for support.

This is the theme of my letter today, lean on me, or rather, lean on each other. Perhaps this isn’t the time to lean on one another physically but there are many ways to lean on each other emotionally. Below are a few suggestions of things you can do in the comfort of your own home to brighten a day or share a smile.

Let’s show our family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and those who are vulnerable and isolated that We’re ALL IN this TOGETHER!

1.  Feel inspired by health care workers on the front lines here.

2.  Send a card to someone you love. It could be an e-card or an email, but share an expression of kindness, gratitude or love with someone who might be sick, lonely or just needs a friend.

3.  Send words of hope and encouragement to patients at Children’s National Medical Center. Last night my family sat around our dinner table and made cards of hope to brighten a child’s day. We pulled out stickers, markers and wrote cards the old fashioned way! Please feel free to join us in these efforts right from the comfort of your own home. Here’s how:

Guidelines:

  • Get-well cards must be void of religious, political and violent content
  • Avoid terms like get well or feel better – instead use terms like “sending you smiles” or “you rock”

Send cards to:

The Child Life Team
111 Michigan Ave NW
Washington, DC 20010

4.  Send words of hope and encouragement to residents in retirement homes and offer some cheer.

Guidelines:

  • Cards and letters should be void of religious, political and violent content
  • Focus on positive terms like “wishing you well” or “thinking of you”
  • Please refrain from sending cards if you are feeling unwell or experiencing any symptoms yourself

Send cards or letters to:

Charles E. Smith Life Communities
ATTN: Activities Director
6121 Montrose Road
Rockville, MD 20852

or

The Village at Rockville
ATTN: Melissa Blackstone
9701 Veirs Drive
Rockville, MD 20850

Our April electronic monthly Main Street Connect should arrive in your inbox next Friday. This monthly newsletter will share additional ways to connect virtually (our own Main Street Connections Buddy program!!) with each other, other opportunities to find peace within this chaos and additional Main Street educational programming. Don’t forget to connect with us for our We’re ALL IN Campaign on Facebook here or on Instagram here.

Wishing all of you good health and love and reminding you to lean on one another for strength.

Be well,

Jillian