The Covid 19 outbreak has upended our lives and we are all facing challenges unlike any others we have seen before.  Jemi and I wanted to check in with all of you and see how you are doing.  I know many of you have family and friends who provide critical healthcare and that you are concerned about them.  Many of you have family members who have special needs that make caring for them even more difficult at this time.  Many of you have elderly parents who are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus and you are trying to meet their needs.  And many of you are at home taking care of children, making  sure they keep up with their schoolwork and  at the same time you are trying to work and take care of client interests and concerns.  And keep your jobs. I know many of you are worried.   While I know that none of you are complaining, since women generally put themselves last and everyone else first,  I also know  the stress this is putting on you is enormous.  I want you to know that your NJWLA sisters are here for you.  If you need some advice, some helpful  suggestions or even just need to vent, Jemi and I are here for you  and I know that any other NJWLA member you reach out to will be there for you too.  We will come out of this very difficult period, we Americans are a strong, tough people.  The current generation has not been tested like this before, but our parents and grandparents were.  As a child, my mother spoke often about how tough it was  growing up in the depression and getting through the rationing and heartbreak of World War II.  Many of you had relatives who experienced unimaginable loss from the Nazi invasions.  Our parents and grandparents were tested, but together they worked through it and were ok. In fact, they created the current generation and gave us amazing opportunities.  We will get through this too, and our children will learn from it.  Be tough, be strong, and let us know how you are doing. We are here for you.  And if you have some good jokes or funny things to share, pass them along.  We can all do with a good laugh.  Thinking of all of you…….

Warmest regards,

Linda Harvey, President, NJWLA & Jemi Lucey, President Elect, NJWLA