If I’m being honest, this pandemic has me thinking a lot about a spike in deaths. But not from COVID-19, from suicides. I know those who suffer from a mental illness have felt the isolation from reality and the things we love. I’ve certainly felt it. I was mid anxiety attack earlier tonight and decided to ride my bike. I needed an escape. A healthy escape. I recently moved and I discovered I live near a soccer complex I grew up playing soccer on. It reminded me of simpler times growing up playing club soccer; but it also reminded me of the spring season I lost with the U8 girls I coach. I know we all longed for winter to be over and for spring to come. But it feels like a different winter. One where we aren’t choosing to stay inside because it’s cold outside. It’s one where we long to be outside in the warmer weather and be with friends and family. It’s almost an odd version of hell. During this time, be honest with yourself. Be honest with the people around you. Check on each other. Life is short and fragile and this pandemic is a reminder of that. Be so brave as to raise a hand and ask for help if you need it. We have to say things out loud. We have to believe our story matters and that those around us have a story that matters as well. This is just another season. A season that will end. I promise there is meaning and purpose to be found. So stay. Please stay.