Despite the upbeat news on the vaccines, I think we are struggling mightily across the nation with three key issues: (1) Pandemic fatigue including Zoom fatigue; (2) Absence of interpersonal touch and connectivity; and (3) Upcoming holidays and "tradition" changes that distance us. In a sense, the second "surge" feels, at least to some of us, worse than the first surge; the numbers are perilously high; we have a dysfunctional transition of power (whatever your political persuasion) that is harming our nation. Some of us have become more isolated than perhaps even necessary due to fear as others flaunt mandates and best practices. In a sense, we are unaccustomed and unprepared for what is happening in our nation. We can rightly ask: how do we move forward with grace and wisdom and perspective? What compensatory mechanisms can we deploy to help all those who need help? And, what about our children and their ability to navigate forward? I have one thought: I have hope. I still believe despite some evidence to the contrary that people are decent and caring and at the end of the day, the better side of humanity and the wiser voices will rise to the top and be seen and heard. I still have hope. Do you? …see more