This period in history is bringing much to light about who and what we are. With so many of us staying at home, a whole new dynamic has been put into play. Some are rising to the challenges we’re facing, while others are falling quite short of what might be expected. The gougers, scammers, and looters are to be expected, but so many more are the best we can be.
For example, a group of usually unsung heroes is being appreciated for being vital, namely teachers. Millions of households are now together 24 hours a day. Over the past weeks, I’ve heard from parents lauding the merits of teachers and child-care givers. I was on the phone with a friend who has a six-year-old son. The boy had about 10 minutes of schoolwork left to do before he was done with classes for the day. He decided that he was finished and that school was boring. His dad sweetly urged him to go back to work and the boy screamed back, “I DON’T WANT TO!” Dad, using a less syrupy voice, hissed at his son, “Get in there right now and finish up your work.” His son defiantly yelled, “NOOOOOOOOOO!” My friend said to me, “I don’t know how they do it every day with 30 kids.” I’m sure that parents around the world are asking that same question. How do they do it? They are dedicated, selfless, hard-working, and diligent. Teachers are important for reasons that millions of families are now fully appreciating. Teaching is still happening online. I’m glad I’m not a kid, or I wouldn’t feel so appreciative.
I know a young lady who was recently accepted into nursing school. I’m thrilled for her, but I have a new understanding of the calling she is following. Sacrifice, selfless dedication, and grindingly hard work are in her future, as has always been the case with nursing. Nurses and other healthcare professionals, including but not limited to EMTs, doctors, ambulance drivers, hospital workers of any kind, and every other facet of the healthcare community, need to be recognized for their incredible dedication. Over the decades I’ve come to know many nurses, both men, and women. I admire them on many levels and am always amazed at their professionalism and focus on doing the job. Now we can see a more obvious showing of dedication and sacrifice coming to light. They, and all medical professionals, are on the front lines of chaos. They all deserve our gratitude and respect. Let them know.
There are those in our society who are striving to keep it moving. First responders of all kinds, stockers of shelves at grocery stores, over the road truck drivers who can’t find food to eat on their journeys, but who still deliver their goods to us, rubbish removers, transportation professionals, anyone working a cash register at this time, restaurant owners who strive to give their employees income by staying open for takeout, as well as those who cook that food and make it available, delivery personnel of any kind and Postal Service workers are all heroes. So are the landlords and establishments that are waiving rents and fees.
Some may argue that this isn’t heroism but simply trying to survive. I disagree. Whenever anyone acts in a way that is better for the good of the masses than for themselves, they are exhibiting the essence of heroism. Those of us who are following the directive to stay at home are heroic as well, for we are taking the good of an entire human population over the impulsive desires to do something at the moment. We are acting for the betterment of the greater good, and you should be proud of that.
Take the time to thank someone for their part in the positive energy put forth at this time. You’ll be surprised what a simple word and smile can do. Thank others by paying attention to them and staying in touch. Thank you for not taking unnecessary chances and playing it safe.
One thing is becoming obvious to me. We are all in this together. We will make it through these times, hopefully, more mindful than we were before. I know I’ll never be the same.
Until next week, I wish you all peace and love.