Ça va bien aller.
Andrà tutto bene.
Everything will be ok.
Early on during the COVID-19 pandemic, these heartening words emerged as an expression of solidarity - a simple message written alongside a rainbow to encourage one another to stay strong and safe during trying times.
For a while, it seemed like every time we turned on the news or scrolled through our posts, there was something new to be feared about the coronavirus and COVID-19. From the storm of statistics on the losses of life and livelihood to all of us being forced apart and forced to accept a new normal - it has been hard and often overwhelming.
Yet, amidst all the doom and gloom, there has also been an outpouring of good. People stepping up to help their neighbours and strangers alike. Public displays of kindness and gratitude. Reconnections with family, friends and even ourselves. Maybe, just like a rainbow, something beautiful and good can emerge after something so dark.
An immense thank you to everyone who has kept our world working while the rest of us have been staying-home-staying-safe. To our postal workers, store employees, and first responders, and everyone else who has been working to keep our lives some kind of normal - thank you. To our teachers, who have continued to inspire us to learn and dream - thank you. And to all the nurses, doctors, and army of health care professionals on the frontline - thank you. You are the real heroes of the battle that we continue to wage. For your strength and selflessness, we will forever be grateful.