New World

I live within walking distance to a hospital, so hearing ambulance sirens is not surprising in my neighborhood. But in the last few months these sirens have increased in number and frequency as the world has and is still battling the pandemic. For many people it has meant fear and a lack of hope, while for others it means that this too shall pass if everyone does their part to make sure the virus is not spread.

            In my world many people believe the latter. In July several houses around here began to put up colorful Christmas lights that come on as soon as the sun goes down. I must say that it brightens everyone’s spirit. It reminds us that we will get through this. All we need is patience, solidarity and hope. That is certainly clear when I see all the people in the large park along the lake where I walk every day. They are either playing with their children or in conversation while socially distancing themselves, often in circles where everyone brought their own chair. I do join one such group from time to time. It helps me focus on thoughts other than fear of coming down with the virus.

But the most telling are those who gather to share hearty laughs. When you hear that enthusiastic laughter, you know that after-pandemic possibilities are very clear, that all is not lost.            

As we wait, I believe that our new world will be one where people have finally realized that we all need to support and help each other in myriad ways if we are to face the future renewed. So many people are suffering as a result of the challenge facing all of us. Some of that suffering is emotional because people have lost family members, while others suffer because they have lost their jobs and income.

We only need to look around us to determine where to focus our support.