This is a terrible time for everyone. Wait. The title of this story is “Be Happy.” OK. Honestly, I’ve found it very difficult to write during this time, but asked a number of people outside the world of journalism what they would like me to write about. They all answered the same way. Write something happy. We don’t want to read anymore bad. So, I’m going to give ‘happy’ a shot.

My son is well. I’m grateful every day I can say that. He’s working remotely like most of the country who is lucky enough to have a job, while he wonders where all of this will lead. If we had the answer to that, we’d all be in better shape. Jeremy is in New York City with his girlfriend. I’m in Washington, D.C. To try and bridge some of the distance, we do movie night together on Sunday nights. We watch the same movie at the same time while doing a video call. It’s one of those simple, silly in any other time things that has really been one of the smartest ideas he’s ever had. I sleep better after we say goodnight.

My dog and cats are also doing well. Better than most of us because they aren’t listening to or reading the news. But they know something is up because I’m around all the time. I know they love me, but somehow I can tell they’re wondering what’s going on and when they can get me out of the house.

Now that I’ve taken care of the happy family roundup, what else is happy?

Knowing that medical professionals are there to help. That people are trying to find ways to get food to people in need. Kindness and gratitude are linked.

My Mother used to say, “Manage your health and you have everything.” I was too young when she spoke those words to really get it. I’ve come to understand that she was a visionary.

Our health takes all priority. Without it we can’t put food on the table or take care of anyone else. It’s easy to lose sight of that under the weight of worry. Will we get the Coronavirus? And if we do, then what? Will we have jobs? Or find a job. The all-consuming nature of continuous uncertainty has taken over.

Going forward, we will look at our health differently. We’re being traumatized by the pandemic sweeping over us, and I don’t believe people will take their health for granted ever again. Making sure that we all have adequate healthcare insurance coverage for the days ahead has to be a priority.

I keep wanting to share with you how hard it’s been isolating solo from the outside world these past two months, but that takes me off track for focusing on writing about happy things. The problem is my mind keeps tracking to the horror of the presidency right now, and the nightmare that our president’s lack of leadership has created. He’s making all of our isolating and challenges more difficult, and absolutely should not be trusted with our lives. If leadership guiding critical parts of our future isn’t coming from the top, we need to find new leadership. Donald Trump has to go. That’s the positive note I’m ending with.

Here’s to better tomorrows.