There is a traditional greeting that passes between Masai warriors: “Kasserian Ingera.” It means, “And how are the children?”

As adults we share about our trauma from both what has nearly been a year of social distancing, an ugly election season, an attempted insurrection, all combined with the snowpocalypse of two weeks ago. And now, as we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel with more vaccines coming online, Governor Abbott gets rid of the mask mandate and opens up businesses in Texas. Our collective anxiety level is rising again.

We are approaching an anniversary that has us considering what this past year has been for ourselves and our families. People with children are not surviving this unscathed, and neither are their children. Whatever choices families made during this time regarding schooling, daycare, work, the psychological effects of living in a pandemic have already made an impact. So many of our children and youth have lost their social community, such an important part of their development.

While our children can’t escape the current circumstances anymore than we can, as their adults we can continue to encourage connection with others in safe ways and try to find moments of semi-normalcy for them. Check in with them about what they are feeling, what they are worrying about, maybe increase the cuddles. The physical and emotional presentation of trauma are different for different age groups. Seek help if you need it.

As I begin to look at what will be our return to in-person gathering, (no known date or promises made) I’m also aware that there currently is no vaccine for our children and youth under 16, and all the science isn’t complete regarding long-term effects of COVID on those who contract it. Foremost in my mind as I craft our coming back together is “And how are the children?” One thing I know is that faith development will be a space for sharing our stories, reconnecting and learning how to be a face-to-face community again. I miss y’all.

Carrie Krause, DLFD