Editor's Note I have a lot to look forward to By Darcy L. Fargo

April 22, 2020

As he wrapped up his Easter egg hunt and pawed through the few gifts and pieces of candy in his basket, my son, Jake, turned his attention to me.

“So, you’re done with Adoration in Massena, and you’re done doing the livestreams with Father Ray, now what are you going to do?”

Poor Jake was not prepared for my response: Crying uncontrollably.

I felt like I had nothing left to look forward to.

As I worked my way through the week, I was reminded I have a lot to look forward to. One thing I look forward to every weekday: The Pray Road News.

For those of you not lucky enough to know the NCC’s editorial assistant, Christine Ward, I should probably explain.

Christine has two young children, Henry, age 6, and Melanie (“Mel”), age 9. As part of her efforts to keep them on a routine and keep them engaged with others, Christine and her children started their isolation period creating video versions of school morning announcements, complete with the Pledge of Allegiance.

As the isolation continued, their morning announcements morphed into Pray Road News, a morning newscast complete with graphics, weather forecast, a “fact of the day,” occasional reporting segments and happy birthday wishes (it still wraps up with the Pledge of Allegiance). Henry and Mel adorably read their news scripts for the camera, providing laughs and education as they go (I’ve learned a few fun facts from their broadcasts).

Their newscast makes me smile or laugh every weekday morning. I look forward to it.

A few friends and I have established a routine of “gathering” via video chat for dinner and/or beverages together. While it’s not the same as gathering in person, I cherish these opportunities to spend time with the friends I’m missing so much. I look forward to these gatherings.

Am I still struggling to adapt to not having a calendar full of social engagements and interactions with others? Yes. But I know that thanks to the people in my life and their willingness to share their gifts with others, whether it be creativity in creating videos or sharing of time and caring, I’m blessed to have a lot to look forward to.