We get through this together. 

Dear John,

I'm grateful for you. As we're facing hard truths about our care crisis, we're here together, and I appreciate that. I'll keep saying it: connection is medicine. I love reading your responses to my emails and seeing what's on the top of your minds. That connection has kept me hopeful, and I care about you and your experiences.  

Send me an email about getting more plugged into our work, or even an article for our News Digest, anytime. I'd be thrilled to hear from you. 

I want you to know that whatever you're going through right now – you're not alone. This is a tough moment, and so many of us are struggling to make ends meet, to be present in our lives and with our loved ones, and to find the energy we need to get through our days. I literally told my supervisor recently that if I found the will to work, it'd be a successful week. I know I'm not alone in this. I see it all over social media, in my family, and in my community: we're all in a slump.  

This week I caught up with my sister, Rose (18), and brother, Leland (7), while they played Minecraft. We talked about COVID, care, and how they're feeling in this moment. I checked in with my sister Pa (23), too. I asked them what's making them happy and sad right now, what they miss most, and what they're most looking forward to when we get through this. 

Throughout the interview, one theme kept coming back: personal connection. Leland misses playtime and our cousins, Rose misses connecting with her college instructors, and Pa can't wait until she's able to see Leland and our mom more regularly.  

Read the whole interview on our blog. 

I resonate so hard with my siblings. The impact of almost a year (a year!) in COVID has been grueling on our physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual energies. 

I’ve only got one ask for you this week: fill out our COVID survey. 

We want to hear about how you’re doing, what you and your loved ones need, and how we can show up for you and your community. Your responses help us chart out our work for the new year. After you’ve filled it out, feel free to share the survey with your loved ones. 

Thank you so much for being a part of our people-centered movement and filling out the survey. The path ahead won’t always be sweet or easy, but I know this: we figure it out together. Thanks for sticking with me, and with TakeAction Minnesota, in building a more joyful future for all of us. 

Take care, 

LyLy