In times of crisis the darkest moment is often just before dawn.
We were reminded of that this week when the Government announced the lockdown must continue for at least another three weeks.
For many this will have been a difficult moment as they brace themselves for yet more time away from loved ones.
Others will be anxious about when their children will return to school or fearful they will not have a job or business to return to when the restrictions are finally lifted.
We must all draw strength from the fact this heroic national effort is beginning to pay dividends. There are signs the rate of infections is starting to plateau.
Sadly, we will have to steel ourselves for the loss of more lives. But amid the grief there have been moments of light.
The way the whole country claps for carers each Thursday has boosted morale.
And no one has captured the imagination of the country more than Captain Tom Moore whose efforts have now raised more than £20million for NHS charities.
These acts of kindness have lifted our spirits at this most challenging of times.
Class issue
All parents want their children to go to a good local school.
But the latest figures show an increase in the number of families failing to land a place at their first-choice primary.
Families on low incomes are not in a position to game the system by buying properties in exclusive catchment areas.
They often end up having to send their kids to schools miles from home, requiring long journeys by public transport.
It is a reminder that a good education for all should be a right, not a luxury.
20/20 vision
The latest online craze is for people to post photos of themselves at 20.
Everyone is suddenly realising how good looking they were when young... and wondering why no one told them at the time.
