Sunday Reflections: Community Strong

Like many of you, I feel at loose ends with this virus all around us, not knowing how long it will take for life to return to normal and it sounds like this may be our new normal for weeks to come.

The worldwide coronavirus crisis is bringing out the best and sometimes worst in people. However, there is still more good than bad in the world. I feel so blessed to have settled into a community like ours.

But now I am even more grateful, with the crisis we are going through, our community has rallied together. Our community leaders are going the extra mile to make sure everyone has the resources we need.

Facebook has been like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, we get sucked into a rabbit hole of reading post after post of how bad things are, which pushes many of us into panic-mode. But then, Facebook has also been a lifesaver for many through all of this, by helping to disminish the feelings of isolation and comforting words and prayers for encouragement.

We have a county Covid-19 Support Group on Facebook, where we are kept informed, where we can seek what is needed, and give to those without. People are giving baby formula and diapers. Some are picking up food and supplies for those that can’t get out. Babysitting is being offered to people that can still work when the daycares have been closed, saving grandparents from being exposed. Several are making face masks for the hospital and those in the community who are at high risk.

The food pantry is making every effort to make sure people are still getting the food they need.

The Sheriff’s department is checking on people who have no one to check on them.

Friends are sharing lots of free resources and plenty of ideas to homeschool the kids or offer family-friendly entertainment to make it through this crisis when we have been asked to stay home.

I’ve read many beautiful Facebook posts with stories that warm the heart.

Even some posts that gives us a bit of laughter, albeit some may be inappropriate. It’s well known that laughter is the best medicine.

As a gardener, I have read a lot about the Victory Gardens and related eamples of when Americans were called upon to help our nation during the World War era. I feel like our situation now is very similar. We need to look after our neighbors. We need to support those that are out in the public or away from their homes and families, making sure we have the opportunity to purchase the food and items we need.

So for those in retail businesses, in the medical field, truck drivers, trash collectors, etc, we owe you all a ton of gratitude. Bless all law enforcement and first responders, too. Every one of you are essential for getting us through this crisis.

We are all in this together and this will soon pass. We just need to have faith.

The best meme I’ve seen about this self-isolation said something along the lines, “The more people don’t follow the rules, the longer we’ll have to be doing this.” So people, please stay home as much as possible!

Love to all of you!

Robin