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Do you have any concerns about the long-term impact of the pandemic on children, either in general or in your life? If so, talk about one or two of your biggest concerns.

YES. Last year they built a playground near my apartment. And it was a lovely playground. Brand new equipment. The problem was - it was completed in late May. And California didn't believe playgrounds should be open. So, every night when I took my walk - I strolled by this playground. I saw the "CAUTION" tag plastered all around it. The equipment sat empty. And it was silent. Those are two things that playgrounds should never be. It deeply saddened me. I don't have children myself but I wondered "what will the children do if they can't even be outside and play?" My heart ached for all the parents out there. How sad that these children couldn't do something normal. Instead we confined them to houses and deprived them of fresh air. Of the opportunity to play with others. To learn social skills, to learn how to share. To be educated. We forced them to grow up when all they wanted to do was play on a simple playground. Towards the end of last year, when the third (I think it was the third...) shutdown happened, the parents revolted. And I applauded them. Now the playground is open. And when I take my walk each night, I think of that small victory. The elementary school closest to me just reopened. That's another important step forward. We have to continue taking baby steps. We have to keep moving forward and give these children something back. We need to let them be children again. Tell them to go back to day dreaming and playing outside again. Tell them to see their friends, go to concerts, do something normal. We need to let them be children again.

May 17, 2021

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