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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, M ay 14 ,2 02 0 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@theifp.ca IndependentAndFreePress @IFP_11 WHO WE ARE Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Distribution Representative Iouliana Polar Real Estate Kristie Pells Regional Production Manager Manuel Garcia Halton Media General Manager Jason Pehora CONTACT US The Independent & Free Press 280 Guelph Street, Unit 77 Georgetown, ON L7G 4B1 Phone: 905-873-0301 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Fax: 905-873-0398 Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at theifp.ca Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail lpolar@miltoncanadianchampion.com or call 905-234-1019. OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT THEIFP.CA Just like we asked our grandparents, future gen- erations will likely ask us what it was like living in 2020. My answer might be this: For us, 2020 started like every new year. We had many challeng- es to tackle, but we were ex- cited about what the year would bring, and as al- ways, hopeful the best was yet to come. Then the coronavirus began to spread around the world, and it came to us. There was fear. The economy was shuttered, and many lost their jobs. Our hospitals prepared to be overwhelmed. Our long- term care homes were hard hit, and many older people died. Families grieved. There was anxiety. We were told to stay home, on- ly go out if necessary, and stay clear of other people. We couldn't even visit fami- ly and friends. What once seemed nor- mal was gone in a flash. Community gatherings were banned. Schools were closed, and then went on- line. Professional sports stopped; the Olympics were postponed. But there were roses among the thorns. There was leadership. Our mu- nicipal, provincial and fed- eral governments stepped up and worked together. The people responded. There was courage. Our health-care workers never wavered. Our farmers, food processors, truckers and grocery store workers kept us fed. Our police, fire- fighters, paramedics and other essential workers were amazing. They all risked their health to keep the rest of us safe. There was isolation, but there was also connection. Our technology enabled us to keep in touch with loved ones, friends and col- leagues. There was caring and compassion. Neighbours looked out for neighbours. People were generous and shared what they had. There was resilience. We were determined. The glue that binds society to- gether held. We showed what we were made of. We were worthy of the sacrific- es our ancestors had made for us. We laughed more than we cried. There was belief that there was light at the end of the tunnel. That we would get through it and rebuild; that life would be better again, even better than before. That whatever we faced, we could overcome, togeth- er. And we will. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott can be reached at 1-800-265-2366 or ted.arnottco@pc.ola.org. HOW WILL THIS TIME BE REMEMBERED? FUTURE GENERATIONS MUST BE TOLD OF THE GOOD AS WELL AS THE BAD DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WRITES TED ARNOTT A friend of mine recent- ly shared a memorable mo- ment she had with her kids. Eager for some down- time in isolation, they watched a movie together, and one of the kids seemed to be really down after- wards. When my friend asked what was wrong, her child said that it was really hard to see the world like it used to be: people going out, hugging and seeing friends. They all talked about how challenging things have been. They acknowl- edged that they, as people, may not be the same when their regular routine re- turns. What my friend's child was feeling, and what many of us may be feeling in this turned-upside-down COVID-19 world, is loss. Even if we are fortunate enough to be healthy and safe, this "new normal" is bound to mean the loss of some things we enjoyed and relied on. We need to recognize that while this situation is affecting everyone, it is not affecting everyone in the same way. There is no one right way to feel, and if you're feeling loss, feel it. Don't let others or yourself explain it away with at leasts: "At least you still have a job," "At least you're healthy," "At least it's spring," and the like. Your feelings are real no matter what else you have in your life. We need to validate feel- ings of loss in ourselves and others. We can name feel- ings and give ourselves and others permission to feel them. Then the focus shifts to coping with, rather than rejecting the feelings. If you are looking for sup- port, keep in mind that the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch is offering free call- in counselling. Call 289-291- 5396 and a counsellor will call you back within 24 hours Monday to Friday. Melanie McGregor is the communications and advancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch, which provides mental health/ addiction community sup- port and education. Visit www.halton.cmha.ca for more information and follow @cmhahalton on Twitter. OUR FEELINGS ARE VALID, DON'T DISMISS THEM OFFERING AN 'AT LEAST' REPLY TO THOSE STRUGGLING AMID PANDEMIC ISN'T THE RIGHT APPROACH, WRITES MELANIE MCGREGOR MELANIE MCGREGOR Column SNAPSHOT A chickadee grabs a snack in a Georgetown backyard. Do you have a great local photo you'd like to share? Send it to sleblanc@metroland.com, along with a brief description. Tony Fortunato photoTED ARNOTT Column