Chasing Beauty In Extraordinary Times

It isn't easy to wrap my head around the fact that 2020 is already coming to a close. In many ways, this year seemed to pass by with warp speed- yet it also feels like this has been one of the longest runs of our careers. We've had to navigate the ongoing pandemic, on top of riots, wildfires, and political unrest- we are truly living through a significant moment in history.

During our 10th Anniversary webinar in September, one of the things that resonated with me was Guy Kawasaki's recommendation to "run the right race" during the pandemic. "The race that we're really in is a marathon, not a sprint... it's about endurance and not giving up." These words never rang so true, and not one of us could ever have fully grasped or prepared for the challenges we would all have to face in our personal and professional lives within the span of a year.

Like it or not, we have been catapulted into new realities. Although there have been many obstacles, I have also had the privilege to watch countless acts of kindness, light, and beauty amongst the chaos. As Guy stated, through perseverance, we have seen our community’s fighting spirit emerge. 

It's an old cliche, but so true- we can't see the light without the contrast of darkness. It's also frequently the case that the most profound strength is born by moving through those dark moments together. As frontline workers, we can certainly feel proud of what we have accomplished by holding each other's hands and pushing through exhaustion and pain to ensure our clients, employees, partners, and communities stay protected.

During the last two months, although the promising news of new treatments and vaccines began to circulate, it also became clear that our seemingly uphill battle with COVID wasn't quite over yet. While we prepared for the holidays and educated ourselves and our community about the possible winter spike the experts had projected, we couldn't help but find ourselves feeling a little bit like we had moved back to the starting line all over again.

Although admittedly scared at times, as the CEO and COO of Care Indeed, Vanessa and I knew we would have to make the ultimate push as leaders- there was no turning back; we had to move through it with our community and do everything in our power to keep people safe. As nurses ourselves, we immediately implemented our own testing program for our caregivers, staff, and senior clients. Vanessa began administering tests with our team of nurses in facilities, and I started the careful and detailed process of conducting tests for our employees.

With full PPE, strict protocols, and practicing safety with every movement, we still recognized the fact we ourselves were not immune to this virus. Regardless, it was a sacrifice we were more than willing to take.

Last Friday, Vanessa started to feel exhausted. The day after, I followed suit, and we both knew immediately what we had to do. Test, self-quarantine, and put the wheels in motion for everything we had preached and implemented over the last ten months with our own employees. Although it was always in the back of our minds, I have to admit receiving the news we both tested positive was still a sobering reminder that no matter how careful you are, it's a possibility- especially in our line of work. Whether running to the grocery store, grabbing a coffee, or through simple interactions with someone you know- all the restrictions have a purpose, and we must all do our part to slow the spread.

We are resting and recovering at home and will soon be able to get back to the work we love at the end of our quarantine and recovery. However, during this healing pause, we both can't stop thinking about all those navigating this illness alone or in a hospital bed without family by their side. We must do more and do our best as a community throughout the holidays. It's a temporary sacrifice for the greater good.

We wish nothing but peace, love, and light to everyone this holiday season. It has been the most challenging year, but it has also been the most transformational. We have a renewed sense of humanity, humility, kindness, connection, and a deeper appreciation for what's most important in life. We are more committed than ever and ready to get back to our essential work of creating a better world for seniors and caregivers. We are choosing light and chasing those moments of beauty during these extraordinary times.

We are both confident that this too shall pass - and we look forward to giving you all a hug when that day comes.