These days my feelings on the pandemic are vacillating constantly. I feel scared and nervous for the health of my family and friends. I feel grateful for this break from school and schedules and the chance to slow down. When I am hiking in the woods with my kids, I take a deep breath and it feels like everything is going to be OK. Then the news creeps in and I am sucked in by fear again.

Last week, my friend Joy began a “Pandemic Project” of photographing families through their windows to signify the way life looks right now, viewed from the inside and the isolation we are all experiencing through social distancing. She inspired me to come up with a way to document my ‘pandemic experience’ and “The Neighborhood Project” began to formulate in my mind.

The Framingham Neighborhood Project

4.5 years ago when we were house hunting, I had one thing at the top of my list: a neighborhood. I grew up in a neighborhood and could not imagine raising my kids in anything but that environment.

Instead of focusing on the fear and unknown, I want to give back to my immediate neighbors. Let me tell you what I am choosing to focus on that I see happening in my little corner of Framingham.

My neighbors organizing scavenger hunts for each other’s kids.

People smiling and waving from afar.

My immediate neighbor putting her jar of cream of tarter on her steps for us to retrieve to make playdough.

My other neighbor sharing the ingredients for a “Shamrock Shake” so my kids could celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Neighbors writing chalk messages on each other’s driveway.

Neighbors sharing favorite hiking spots, things to do to keep little ones busy, recipes, and support.

The neighbors of Woodcrest Acres

When I visit these homes (keeping my social distance, of course), I see hope. I see loving families with smiling faces. I hope these are the things they remember when they look back on these images and remember this time when we were all in this together.

Without further ado, here are the smiling and resilient Framingham neighbors of Woodcrest Acres: