A Moment to Reflect
This month officially marks the one-year point since the impacts of the pandemic turned our world upside down. Where were you the moment you realized how serious this all would be? What were you doing when you realized that the unimaginable was becoming our new reality?
Like many of you, I know exactly where I was when it all hit me.
It was the afternoon of March 17th, 2020, the moment Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced all Kansas schools would close for the rest of the school year.
I was on the treadmill watching the news conference on KCTV5 News. That moment just felt so surreal. I remember I stopped running. I looked at my phone. And this flurry of emails started filling my inbox.
My kids were days away from the start of their spring break with the Lee’s Summit School District. At the same time Gov. Kelly announced all Kansas schools were closing, the LSR7 district was sending notification home to parents to prepare them that our children in Missouri would likely not go back to class after spring break either.
My work inbox immediately started filling up with word that Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas was set to declare a State of Emergency for the city and lockdown. The dominos just kept falling for weeks and months to follow.
Despite all the challenges and changes of the past year, I am grateful that I am one of the lucky ones. My family has kept their jobs and our health. I know there are thousands here in KC who cannot say the same.
In a year of reflection, I am so very thankful for some many things now that I used to take for granted.
My sincere thanks to all our hard-working healthcare and emergency service workers and to all our educators who have given so much love to our children.
My list of gratitude this spring feels endless. I am grateful for hope that brighter days are ahead for all of us; more hugs, happiness and the simple joy of seeing more smiles from the people around us again soon. ■
Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.
