It’s amazing how creative and resilient humans can be. Here, in the midst of fear and tragedy, good arises. It was an odd Easter at home. But churches live streamed services. I heard the pastor play his trumpet and it was the most uplifting and triumphant sound coming right into my home. My parents, who are in their 90s and homebound pandemic or not, were able to attend church at home too. All at once, they’re like everyone else in the congregation.
I hear that there is a new rush to purchase garden seeds and greenhouses. What better way to find food security than to grow your own!? I hope that local farmers will find a wealth of new clientele too. Bring the ability to feed ourselves back home. Nothing can replace the experience of dining at a restaurant and we have some nice options here, but the meal prepared and shared at home had been going the way of the dinosaur. I heard that the size of kitchens in new houses has been shrinking steadily because “nobody cooks anymore.” Still, there is pleasure in preparing and sharing meals. Maybe kitchens will once again be the place everyone gathers. Then the next shortage will be chest freezers to hold the leftovers and the bounty of produce. If you do get a freezer, buy a side of beef or other fresh meat from a local farmer. I know from experience that it’s delicious.
And speaking of local, could we please bring home the production of all components we need to treat our sick and keep our health care workers safe? Let’s do it. At the very least, let’s learn from this and be better prepared for the next crisis.
Where are the opportunities within the trials? I heard one mom say, considering that this stay at home order is not going to last forever, she’s looking at it as a chance for more “cuddle time” with her young kids. Families on the go will need to adjust but may also find new opportunities to connect. Walks together are becoming a common way for families to be outside together and see others. More people are using parks and trails, not just hiking their neighborhoods. Singing together is a new phenomenon in many places. Maybe this is something that feels good and will continue on in some way after COVID-19. New habits take time and the longer shelter-in-place persists the more likely new habits will develop.
We have clearly seen problems with the way we do healthcare in this country and the precarious situation for small businesses, gig workers or those who live paycheck to paycheck. No matter what your politics are, and solutions will differ, I believe there is a new recognition of the issues as well as the need to fix them.
There are many gifts within a challenge. More people are beginning to wear masks, for instance. It is a gift to wear a mask because you are protecting others even more than yourself. It feels strange and awkward. But I hope you do it anyway. Tough people wear masks because they value protecting others. Rebels wear masks because they’re strong enough to be trend setters. I’m not saying that mask wearing should become a new tradition but, while the virus is with us and no cure exists, wearing a mask shows that we have empathy and care for others. And isn’t it heartening to see how sewists are stepping up to produce homemade cloth masks (Facing COVID-19, 3/30/20)? When there is a need, people find ways to fill it.
I wish COVID-19 had never found its way here. I wish it would leave. My heart breaks for those who are fighting it and those who have lost loved ones. I am outraged about the conditions our health care workers face. I also cannot imagine having someone in the hospital or in a care center and not being able to be there for them. I am sorry for the isolation and loneliness this has brought to many. But I am still hopeful. I see the chance to make changes that can positively affect our lives going forward.
Stay home. Stay well. Thank you.
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