Gratitude Stories

The Covid 19 pandemic has been devastating for all of us. We have all suffered some loss. We have lost loved ones or have had setbacks at work, school, or have experienced financial losses and more. However we have survived the worst of it and little and big things have helped us survive, This page is devoted to acknowledging those things that contributed to our survival and wellbeing in the pandemic. Please complete the form at the bottom of the page to share what you are most grateful for this Diwali as the the pandemic continues to control part of our lives. We will post your story on this page. Please click on the images below to read peoples amazing stories of gratitude in (pandemic) solitude.

Bindu Vijaykumar

I strongly believe that, "Everything happens for a reason". When I look back, I feel our life was like a high speed train, each one boarded their own seat and busy travelling from one task to other. All of a sudden the train broke down and everyone had to get back to their nest. That was the time were we experienced a range of emotions and learnt how to deal with it too. The space and time with the family was one of the best gift, my kids and me explored a variety of activities at home. We got to know each other better than anytime before. Truly knowing each other within their learning space and workspace, actually knowing each other holistically. Truly blessed moments. Similarly, I am grateful to all my collegeaus, sitting at different zones and collaborating is definitely a challenge. Here also it gave opportunity to actually become more comfortable showing vulnerability and being appreciative about how much we depend on each other and each one matters. I am grateful to the work culture where the person is valued before the work. The care and concern to ensure everyone is safe and work can wait makes one 'wanted' and 'loved' in the family. I am always blessed to be a part of such a school which is is my family. I believe this phase has actually helped each one know, care, love and understand each other and made us think what is that we are running for? Where are we leading to? We actually took a pause and now appreciate what are we blessed with. I now wish we get back to our routine but this time it won't be the previous routine, we will be able to be more compassionate and appreciate everything around us.

Lisa Malinowski Kamran

I am thankful for the opportunity to lean into my relationship with my partner during the pandemic. We were doing distance for 2 years, and the week the border closed in 2020, I happened to be visiting him in Toronto. I decided to stay with him and work remotely full-time. It gave us the opportunity we never had to be around each other so much, and it allowed us to grow together. We got married October 2020, and I've been in the process of immigrating to Canada to live with him over the last year. I'm so thankful for all of the support that he has offered throughout all of the waves that come with immigrating to a new country during a global pandemic and being away from my family and friends back in the states.