"Smile and nod, smile and nod" my mom said. Her teachings were a blessing and a curse to my non-confrontational middle-child self. Being in the middle is hard. Bridging the gap between opposite opinions may mean walking a tightrope when you can only see a weak thread connecting both sides.
I love people. I love taking care of them, so I'll smile and nod and hope they feel seen and heard. I nod when I'm told a mask is the best way to keep your neighbour healthy. I wear my mask so others feel safe. I smile when I'm told that connection is vital to maintain mental health. I gather around a homemade meal with anyone feeling isolated. But people pleasing can only carry me so far. I can't please everyone.
It's been a long road quietly watching and waiting in the middle. I'm just as tired as everyone else, but I'll keep trying to find the balance because "blessed are the peacemakers."
Find the people in the middle and ask them how they are doing. Don't let them just smile and nod. It's time for us all to make peace.
Rebecca Vanveen, St. Albert
