Living through strange times

We're bored. We're anxious. We're nervous and we're frustrated. Covid-19, or Corona Virus, has the world in its germy, contagious, scary grip. We have to physically separate from friends and family, kids can't go to school, and people in grocery stores, at least those brave enough to go, are avoiding each other like they're told. Most people are working from home, except for essential employees like healthcare workers, law enforcement, grocery and drug store employees, delivery personnel, and restaurant workers for takeout service only. They are the current superheroes, and rightfully so. We get to stay clear of the germs. They have to work in the midst of the unknown, and healthcare and law enforcement are dealing with a severe shortage of protective gear.

Saying it's a really strange time is putting it mildly.

With social media and the internet, pandemic hysteria has swept the country and the world. For whatever reason it caused people to hoard toilet paper and buy up all the baking supplies like flour and yeast. For obvious reasons it's impossible to find hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes except online at jacked-up prices. Worse than that, common citizens have cleared the shelves of much-needed surgical and medical masks, creating the dangerous shortage for the medical community.

We could argue for days about why we've found ourselves in such a debacle, but what will that get us? Now that we're in the thick of it, knowing it will get worse before it gets better, it's time to step back away from the panic, take deep breaths and do what we're told -- wash our hands, stay 6 feet away from anyone you're not living with, and stay out of the few public places that are still open (grocery and drug stores, mostly) as much as possible. If you think all these precautions are silly and an over-reaction to something "not even as bad as the flu," that's your prerogative. If you're not concerned about yourself, think of anyone else around you, including those you love, who you could unknowingly infect by your carelessness!

As with all tragedies, this surreal world-wide situation has brought out the best in people and the worst. But the best are out-playing the worst. The words "What can we do" have filled the eerie silence hanging over the now idle city streets. People are digging into the cellar cabinets and donating masks they didn't realize they had; businesses whose employees use masks and have been temporarily shutdown are donating their masks to local hospitals and fire stations; dress makers, crafters, seamstresses and tailors are sewing masks in record numbers. According to the extremely grateful healthcare workers, although not ideal, a homemade mask is better than nothing. And Hollywood has stepped up with donations of medical equipment used in their tv shows and millions of dollars being donated by celebrities. Fundraisers are helping the many groups of now unemployed workers, and grateful citizens are reaching out to hospitals, police and fire with food donations to express their appreciation. And just as meaningful, children are sending cards to nursing home residents because they can't have visitors. The stories of goodwill are countless, and heartening.

Although we're all worried about how long this will go on, too many have no idea how they'll pay their bills or feed their families, and others are worried about losing their retirement as the stock market reacts to this uncertainty, we must all stay on this path of compassion and working together for the common good. And without forgetting the seriousness of it, keep your sense of humor and share it with others! Enjoy the many memes circulating on facebook, and your together time with your family. Call those you can't physically be with, and check on your neighbors, especially those who are truly alone. And don't forget to say a prayer or send comforting thoughts to those directly affected by the illness as well as all those on the front lines of this demon.

Wash your hands, stay apart and remember, this, too, shall pass. Together, with trust and faith in each other and God, we'll conquer Covid-19 and come out the other side better for it.