Embarking on Healing
Healing is not easy. It hurts, it’s hard, and it tests our resolve to keep going. But we are strong, we can do hard things, and the alternative—remaining stuck, sick, and sundered—is unacceptable. So heal we must, in our nation, in our communities, and in our bodies.
“We are not as divided as our politics suggest” is a favorite Obama quote of mine. And I believe that, truly. When it comes down to it, we are all just people—neighbors, family, friends—with similar hopes and needs. Those who want to weaken us attempt it through exploiting our differences. But when the chips are down, our communities and connections are what keep us strong.
And sticking together through tough times has never been more important. The folks of Mendocino County have dug deep to adapt and move forward with new ways of doing our work and living our lives, inspiring me with a fresh vision of the future. Restaurants have embraced the outdoors, co-opting adjacent gardens, parking lots, and sidewalks. (I would love to see this trend continue, even once we can be indoors again.) Café Beaujolais, a local favorite dining spot, has expanded their “Brickery”, where you can enjoy a slice of delicious brick oven pizza using Wavelength Farm produce procured at their adjacent farm stand. Friend and local farmer, Michael Foley, explains the difficult but worthy quest to break the farmer’s reliance on plastic. The Botanical Bus in Sonoma County has launched their mobile herbal medical clinic as well as a number of new programs to meet the needs of the local Latinx community of farmworkers.
As we move through winter, we will all find new ways of togetherness and celebration, while keeping everyone safe. Spread the season’s joy by supporting our local artisans, businesses, and restaurants when you can. Consider, for instance, a gift of an unusual wine from the Disco Ranch, culinary items from the Boonville Collective, or one of the many locally produced treasures one can find at the Yorkville Market.
We are coming up on one year of this pandemic—one year of lost or adjusted birthdays, one year of missed proms, anniversaries, weddings, and adventures. But we have been given the opportunity to redefine and enrich the shared moments we have, being ever more aware that life is precious and our time here is short. Togetherness is important, and community is vital. Let’s do our best to make the most of both. As we begin the long healing process, it may be uncomfortable at times. But my heart is full, and the inspiration I get from this wonderful county keeps me going.
Holly Madrigal, Publisher
