In the Age of Covid Little Things Matter
I have witnessed my share of frightening, disturbing and even crisis situations over my lifetime. Never a pandemic but there are similarities. It is in the worst of times that people show their true colors. No time is more evident than right now.
Being a New Yorker by birth, I have found myself listening to Governor Cuomo to get my news. He is at the epicenter and his facts and calming approach comforts me. Politics aside, he is who is helping me get information and the right dose of hope. He reminded everyone of New York’s motto: Excelsior, Latin for "Ever Upward" and “E Pluribus Unum” – out of many is one. Now more than ever these words are inspiration. I’ve always been sorry that in 1956 that was replaced by In God We Trust, but I digress, and that is a discussion for another time.
My heart is overjoyed with the length that some people are going to help those less fortunate than themselves. To reach ever upward, knowing that out of many we are one! I admire their ability to face danger and just jump in, putting the needs of the many ahead of themselves. There are days I am saddened that our age puts us at higher risk and, combined with our limited Spanish, is keeping us from being able to do more on the front lines. So more than ever I am grateful for those who can.
That said, not everyone can be a first responder - a socially responsible person out there delivering food and supplies to the needy, but there are things, ever so simple, that we CAN DO!
We find ourselves extremely fortunate to be living in a condo in a gated community, with a gorgeous view, warm tropical breezes and lots of sunshine. The downside to that is we also find ourselves in extremely close proximity to others. In our complex alone there are at least a 6-8 people who are high risk for this virus, either due to their medical conditions, age or limited capacity to grasp the severity of the situation.
This leads me to shine a light on the other extreme of our society. Those who believe that their rights and freedom are more important than the needs of the collective E Pluribus. We witness every day the comings and goings of those who feel invincible and we see them gather back here with little or no regard to social distancing. Does this make me uncomfortable – absolutely.
In our little microcosm of the world, here in our complex, we have also seen those who have gone above and beyond by helping to disinfect the common areas or check on the welfare of others. Early on, at the very beginning of our awareness about this virus, we were fortunate to make a pact with another couple who lives here. We were without a car and they generously and graciously took us to run errands, get supplies, make runs to the pharmacy, seek out an isolated beach. We had long talks about how we could make this “social cohorts” work. It would require an immense amount of trust, and agreement about safety precautions, a commitment to sanitation steps. In other words, we had to agree to become a surrogate family. Being social-animals we knew we needed more than our spouses to make it through the most mundane days ahead.
However you are dealing with this pandemic, wherever you are, it’s important to know you are not alone. Take a step outside of your own fears and anxieties and look for the beauty that surrounds you. And do what you can, now more than ever, to make this place a little better. Stay home when you can, distance yourselves when you can’t, be vigilant about safety precautions and, now more than ever, be considerate of others. As we are all stressed to the max and bombarded by terrifying news, remember it is the little things that can make the biggest impact. Keep your volume down, whether it is your music, phone calls, or face timing. Do all you can to help create a sanctuary and peaceful environment that is healing and helpful. And SMILE! These are all things that cost nothing and help to make the many one – one society, one, group, one nation, one world.
I’m not a great writer, I have never claimed to be, but those who are familiar with my writing know I am passionate. I don’t pretend to be the most altruistic person, but I have been around the sun enough times and witnessed the best and the worst of people that, in times like these, we need to do our best in the smallest of ways. And by doing so we will together achieve EXCELSIOR!
Be safe!