What I Learned You all make us proud to live in St. Pete. You all make us St. Pete Strong.
It’s been one year since the COVID-19 virus took over the country like an unexpected terrorist. Despite the fear and confusion, the anguish and sorrow, we have witnessed great acts of kindness and generosity and learned lessons along the way. We asked local healthcare and community workers to look back at the last year and tell us what they have learned about themselves or others. The responses we received are heart-warming reminders that at our very core, family and personal connections are what pull us through in troubling times. — Marcia Biggs, SPL Editor
Meghan Martin, MD Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital I feel like I’ve been busy my whole life. I started my family in medical school, and now as an attending physician, I have four kids. All of them have activities and we were constantly on the move between tennis practices, piano lessons, gymnastics, etc. I felt like that one night of the week we could relax was golden, if I didn’t have to work. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and all of these activities were cancelled, I initially found myself paralyzed. I almost felt guilty being still for a moment. There must have been something to accomplish. Then it hit me. I have rarely been truly present with my family. There has always been something to prepare for. Sure, we’ve had quiet evenings, but our lives are so fast paced, and activity driven. COVID-19 forced us to slow down and while initially it was almost uncomfortable to be slow, now I have really started to engage more with my kids. We play with Play-Doh in the morning and we play in the backyard after school. Messy ice cream sundaes after dinner. It’s amazing what I would have missed if I wasn’t forced to slow down.
Meghan Martin and her children. Left to right Avery (9), McKenzie (11), Finley (3), Riley (5).
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StPeteLifeMag.com
March/April 2021
