There are many we need to thank for their sacrifices these past months. Grandparents who learned to help with home schooling, essential workers, many not in healthcare who put their big boy and girl pants on and headed out- some for minimum wage to keep our needs met. Stores and restaurants fiercely trying to provide safety and give us all a break from sheltering- while they struggle as well to survive and stay open. Families working from home, but driving their loved ones to the center for treatments, waiting in the car, not permitted inside. Demonstrations of sacrifice move me daily. When you avoid encountering the virus by dunning masks, sanitizing and distancing, you also are protecting others and being of service to the greater good, and maybe that person right next to you.
A small example happened this week. We have been out of sanitary wipes for this clinic for a month. I headed to Walmart at 7AM to purchase some of a handful of supplies that will be gone by 7:15. A woman at the next self-service checkout heard me ask the clerk if I could purchase two. But the limit was one so the shopper quickly took them, wrung them up and put them in my cart! She was completely unselfish and happy to help.
Walking to the lot I expressed my gratitude and told the shopper that at the center this will help my staff avoid hours of breathing in the spray to disinfect continuously. She stopped, got tears above her mask and said, “I am due to be there next week for chemo! The fun multicolored dreadlocks were a wig. We almost hugged then stopped and giggled. These simple acts of kindness are occurring daily. Millions of essential workers have their own stories.
Teachers as we know are truly essential and are getting ready to be brave for the children. They will mask, shield and sanitize and engage our children who need them so very much. In this crazy time we are all acting in the service of others. We have never been more interdependent in our lives. Structure and processes are being put in place. Fear is not an option. We need to try, but with caution and care. The cashier, stocker, delivery driver, waitress, clerk and most healthcare workers did not sign up for this either. They do not have the luxury of working from home- there is no pay without showing up. We can be smart and careful to remain engaged. This virus has taken so much from us and our children, but it has also added opportunities. Service to others empowers and enriches us all. Thank you.