03_28_2020
Appreciating Our Unsung Heroes

          As I venture out in this Covid-19 environment that has taken over our daily lives for the time being, I am struck by the steadfastness with which those working in essential roles are showing up each day. I am adhering closely to the guidelines of maintaining appropriate “social distancing” guidelines, so my travels are limited to close to home.

         I’ve learned that I can get by with one trip to the grocery store each week. It was on one of these excursions that I noticed how the cashiers and those stocking the shelves were just going about their work without calling attention to themselves. The cashiers in particular are welcoming, asking their customers how they are doing, and wishing everyone well.

         I’ve heard stories of how 1 or 2 customers have acted out when they were reminded that they were only allowed to buy “two of high demand items.” But for the most part, it seems like the majority of people are rising to the occasion and trying to do what is asked of them and refraining from taking out any fears and frustrations they may have on others.

        I am taking advantage of having more unscheduled time on my hands to get in a walk each day. My routine at the moment consists of a longer walk in the morning, and then I take a walk into the center of town around dinner time. I witness those working in the area drugstores and pharmacies, and how the staff of our local restaurants have moved to “providing curb side service for picking up phoned-in orders.” Our local gas stations and post offices remain open, and again, those who fill these roles just keep showing up because they know we depend on them.

         We have a great locally owned hardware store in town. By great I mean that the store not only has a vast supply of all that one might be looking for in such a store, but all of the help knows where things are located and can answer the many questions that come their way. They also have set up a table out front with staff on hand so that when you call ahead with what you need, someone is available to bring your order to your car. This morning when I walked by, the two owners were outside in the rain carrying packages to cars as they pulled up.

         The New York Times ran a similar story about the goodness of people recently. The story featured a family-owned truck stop on Route 80, and the owners were interviewed and asked why they were still open and serving food during COVID-19. Didn’t they know that they could be putting their health at risk? Their reply indicated that they knew there was some risk and they were taking all precautions to minimize the risk. The explanation they offered for remaining open focused on their concern for and understanding that truck drivers needed a place to stop for food.

        Truck drivers are the ones that are continuing to deliver food and needed supplies to our towns and cities during this crisis. As I witness examples firsthand and read or hear about people putting themselves out on behalf of others, I am touched with a deep sense of gratitude for the goodness of others. These folks are the unsung heroes that we may never hear about personally, but all over the country they are helping us get through this crisis.

         When I was out walking last week, I witnessed a young girl – maybe 7 or 8 – riding her bicycle in the quiet street free from car traffic. I am not sure what happened, but she suddenly felt off her bike and started crying, There was an older gentleman walking past her on the sidewalk, and he immediately walked to her to offer comfort and support. He helped her get up and picked up her bicycle. He talked with her and made sure she was okay before we all moved on. The gentleman had to be in his 80s or older, and even though his age group has been designated as high risk, he didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.

         By whatever means we’re each tuning into the outside world, we see many examples of the people on the front lines that are caring for those that are ill. I am grateful for individuals like Dr. Antwho seems to be working around the clock to provide solid, factual information to all of us about what we need to do and how to think about the future.
We’ve also all seen examples of several governors who are taking on major leadership roles on a daily basis as they do their best to prepare their cities and medical facilities to prepare to take of people who need medical attention.

         And finally, there is all of us who are doing our best to adhere to the guidelines while staying hopeful and patient. We are left to the role of bearing witness to what is going on around us. What I have said to people who wish that they could do more is that our roles now may be to follow the guidelines with grace and patience, and to bear witness to how we as a nation are responding to this epidemic so that we can learn from it once it subsides.

          Yesterday as I was out for my walk, I noticed the sign on the porch – see photo above –which the family made to thank everyone that was playing a role in helping us all get through this.
Stay well and hopeful in the days ahead. The meditation series I’m doing daily during this health crisis is about “Staying Hopeful in Difficult Times.” One of the first things I heard that I found helpful was to not see “uncertainty” as an enemy. Our futures are uncertain all of the time, but generally we are lulled into believing that we have everything under control.

          Here are words from the meditation series that I am finding helpful during these times: Embrace uncertainty for what it offers for awakening and going forward. Uncertainty itself is not our enemy; we can harness its creative potential to remind us what is most important in our lives.