Hardship comes in different shapes and sizes. Losing a job. Bills overdue (逾期未付的). Illness, injuries or the death of a loved one.

Every kind of difficulty takes its toll. But few things in life are as heartbreaking as feeling cut off from the people we love.

Recently, while “sheltering in place” against the coronavirus, I’ve started reading to my grandkids via FaceTime.

Mostly, I read to them because I love doing it. But I also do it for their parents’ mental health. Besides having to stay indoors, they are forced to homeschool the kids, who can’t go to school or to the park or play with their friends.

As a mother, I didn’t do everything right. Far from it. But when my three children were small, most nights before bed, I would read to them.

There is something important – something comforting and healing – about the age-old ritual (惯例) of reading to each other. Sometimes the words we read are so powerful that they will never be forgotten. But hearing them read is a different experience.

When we read to ourselves, we see the words with our eyes. But when someone reads to us, we just need to be still and listen. Sometimes, the voice and the love it conveys mean far more than the words.

Today, I read the Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, a book my kids loved long ago. Randy, 9, and Wiley, 7, thought it was funny. Elle, who’s 5, usually prefers to read to me, but this time she just wanted to talk. Next, Randy played a song for us on his guitar, the very first song he has written. Finally, I FaceTimed with Jonah, who is almost a year old. I read MOO, BAA, LA LA LA! by Sandra Boynton. He liked it so much that he gave me kisses over the phone, then we said goodbye.

Now, more than ever, while keeping a safe distance, we all need to hold on to each other.

Who do you spend the most time with? If something bad happens at school or with a friend, who do you turn to? You may have a lot of friends in your life.【小题1】Through good times and bad, our family supports and loves us, no matter what.

Family helps us in shaping our lives and our personalities. David R. Womack, a famous expert, defines family as “The ties that fix together. The cement (水泥) that builds character, strength of purpose, shared respect, values.” We learn values like love, trust, and tradition from our family.

【小题2】You can be yourself around them day by day and they will accept you for who you are. Your family will love you no matter what. Family is a tie that will last forever. Even through tough times, they will bring happiness into your life.

What are some ways that you could strengthen your family tie? It could be as simple as making a family fun night each week.【小题3】This time together will strengthen your relationship for years to come.

With a strong family tie, you can always turn to them for help.【小题4】

Your family is a team. Do you remember a time that your family helped you deal with a challenge? Are there moments when your family made you happy when you were sad? It takes hard work to have a strong family tie.【小题5】 Watch this brief video about the importance of family dinners, think about your own family and what you can do to help improve it.

Your best friend has seen you at your worst and still loves you unconditionally. However, such a close relationship is bound to have its twists and turns (曲折). 【小题1】 But what do you do after a quarrel happens? Here are some suggestions to make up with your best friend and sort things out.

Talk it out. No matter whose fault it is, don’t wait for her to make the first move. Friendships break because no one wants to be the first to take action after a quarrel. You know she’s important to you, so call her and talk things out. If you’re at fault, explain yourself without justifying (证明……有道理) your mistake. 【小题2】

Listen. 【小题3】 Listen to what your best friend wants to say before talking about your feelings. She might be going through life-changing events or having a tough time. You should care about her feelings. It takes a good listener to build stronger friendships.

【小题4】 Sometimes no matter how hard you try, your best friend won’t listen because she’s too stubborn. Share your problem with someone who is close to both of you and ask that person to talk to her instead. She might just understand better when a third person explains it.

Give her time. After you’ve tried everything in your power to sort things out with her, give her some time to cool down. She might be someone who needs time to accept what you’ve said. 【小题5】 Give her some time. She’ll think over the conversation and take a step towards you on her own.