Silver Linings

By Annika, age 10

Chinese New Year break was ending. I had everything ready to go; school bag bursting with finished library books, neatly folded uniform, and greeting cards for my teachers and friends. Then, the world came crashing. School switched to home learning, with internet issues and eye-watering screen time. News from around the world was full of terrifying statistics about Covid cases. And my family in Canada and India felt further away than ever. “Cheer up,” my mom said. “This too will pass, and in the meantime, we have to look for the silver linings.” And so, I did. 

“Cheer up,” my mom said. “This too will pass, and in the meantime, we have to look for the silver linings.” And so, I did. 

The next day, my dog snuffled warmly at my feet during online school. This is definitely a silver lining, I thought, stifling a smile. Afternoon walks with my mom. More time to read. Family board game evenings. All silver linings. 

Before I knew it, April had arrived, and I cheered when we learned we would be back in school. Although the first months of the pandemic were frightening and stressful in many ways, I will always remember the joy of new family traditions. Now, with Omicron spreading, I’m looking out for silver linings again, and realize that like before, “this too will pass”.