Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Toft's Thoughts

How is everyone holding up out there? I pray you are staying positive, safe and as courageous as possible during these crazy times. It truly is unbelievable. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I now get to plan my daughter's seventh birthday without many of her closest friends by her side. She loves having every one of her classmates at each of her birthday parties. We like to have big backyard celebrations with water play, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, crafts, pinatas and of course cake, making sure she doesn't leave anyone off of the invite list and all are included in the party. Her big day will look a bit different this year as we try to plan around COVID-19. We are going to have a few separate parties with a small group of immediate and extended family present, potentially having one friend spend the night. It will be a much different picture than her usual celebrations, but we are thankful we are even able to do this much. COVID-19 is changing how we do so many things. Some of it is helpful; I am loving having a pretty free summer with my family. There are fewer plans and the slowed pace has been a breath of fresh air. However, the longer I go without hugging my grandparents the sadder the reality of this virus becomes. You never know how much you miss a hug until you no longer can give or receive one from those you love most. All in all, we remain full of faith that God will get us through this giant hurdle and that the lessons we will learn and the knowledge gained will help us to make a better life for our own children and future generations. Remaining positive and prayerful is crucial right now for my sanity. Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.

How is everyone holding up out there? I pray you are staying positive, safe and as courageous as possible during these crazy times. It truly is unbelievable.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I now get to plan my daughter's seventh birthday without many of her closest friends by her side. She loves having every one of her classmates at each of her birthday parties. We like to have big backyard celebrations with water play, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, crafts, pinatas and of course cake, making sure she doesn't leave anyone off of the invite list and all are included in the party.

Her big day will look a bit different this year as we try to plan around COVID-19. We are going to have a few separate parties with a small group of immediate and extended family present, potentially having one friend spend the night. It will be a much different picture than her usual celebrations, but we are thankful we are even able to do this much.

COVID-19 is changing how we do so many things. Some of it is helpful; I am loving having a pretty free summer with my family. There are fewer plans and the slowed pace has been a breath of fresh air. However, the longer I go without hugging my grandparents the sadder the reality of this virus becomes. You never know how much you miss a hug until you no longer can give or receive one from those you love most.

All in all, we remain full of faith that God will get us through this giant hurdle and that the lessons we will learn and the knowledge gained will help us to make a better life for our own children and future generations. Remaining positive and prayerful is crucial right now for my sanity.

Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.