Each morning I wonder what the day will bring. The virus situation has created its own new reality with so many complications. In reading this morning’s newspaper, I can see it affects every segment.
The high school seniors worry that they got through their last day of high school without knowing it. Some of the girls bought prom dresses which are left hanging in closets. Sports have been canceled or disrupted. Children are doing lessons at home. Much planned trips and vacations are canceled. The freedom to stroll the mall or shop is cut short. The parks are closed. Gasoline is cheap but there is no place to go. Food—well, that is a hot topic! How to get it, how to store it safely, how to cook it, etc. People are borrowing dogs to foster. Some are concerned that Easter will come and go like none other—no church attendance, no family gatherings, not even eating out. Politicians are at their worst, blaming each other and imposing guidelines that will control a frustrated population.
The best and worst of human nature is front and center. This has been compared to 9-1-1 or WWII—but that is not a good example. In WWII there was a unified, agreed upon response. The government put forth the rules and we followed them without question. Black-outs, rationing, buying bonds, saving cooking grease, etc. We could go wherever we could walk.
This is an exercise in self-discipline and self preservation. To stretch ourselves to endure is a key component. We can do it. We will look back one day and say, “Remember when we went through that virus thing?” And each of us will have a story to tell. None of us chose this exercise— it has been imposed upon us. So the burden is universal and we have to find within it the part that has meaning. Just to tolerate and endure is worthy of a medal or at least a pat on the back.
The unknown is just how and what will be the outcome? Maybe vaccines, maybe gratitude, maybe a better understanding of how the supply chain works! Regardless, we are all in this together even though we are not actually physically gathered.
This is Palm Sunday and it is spring. We can try something new — but different.
Della Tenney