One Year In

 

One Year In

 

By John W. Vander Velden

 Hard to imagine that we have lived a full year beneath the shadow of COVID-19. It certainly has not been the situation we would have chosen for those twelve months. There was little ordinary about the bulk of 2020. And 2021’s early months have continued the trend. Most of us know victims of this disease that has swept the world. And each of us know the name of at least one that had lost the battle, taken too soon. 

But where do we find ourselves…today. 

We have become numb to the shock and aw of what has been the sudden unknown thrust into our lives. Seeing covered faces is no longer an odd experience. The term “social distance” has been added to our vocabulary. Most have hand sanitizer at the ready. Talk of vaccination scheduling is heard often. But too often we hear the words like, I wish things would get back to normal.   

It is certainly the wish we all share. That our lives return to the pre-COVID world. Personally, I had believed that with last summer’s sun the danger would dissipate. Silly me. Researching the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 opened my eyes to the likely possibility of a longer crisis. Recently the number of COVID fatalities has passed 500K. No matter what your view is on that count, the number reveals too many heartbreaks of the many families that face the loss of friends, parents, children, siblings, co-workers, and neighbors. 

Thankfully the numbers are trending downward, and with the commitment of EACH of us that trend SHOULD continue. 

We have suffered a year. If EVERYONE does their part, then together we can overcome this disease. Let us take the small and sometimes uncomfortable tasks to help one another. NO ONE enjoys wearing a mask, but I can tell you, from my family’s own experience, it HELPS. It helps those that wear the face covering and it helps those they meet. Follow the social distancing guidelines. Surely, we long to, once again, hug our extended family members and others we love.

Friends, the opportunity will return. 

There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel, it grows brighter every day. Millions have been vaccinated…millions more will need to receive their shots for “herd immunity” to become the virus slayer needed. 

Last week I received my first COVID shot. I look forward to the second piercing of the arm only weeks away. Science offers me, and others as well, a likely escape from this pandemic. Yet, time will tell of the vaccine’s success. But I will do my part…for my family…for yours. 

One year in and the world is a different place. 

But together we WILL defeat COVID, if each of us does what is needed, even at times when doing so is painful…uncomfortable…difficult. For nothing worth achieving has ever come easily or without price. 

Now that we are, all of us, one year in, I promise you that I will do my part as best as I am able. To carry my share of the burden. To set aside my personal wants, of gathering with others, of traveling to the distant places I love, and even to visit my son out of state, until I am certain I cannot be a factor in COVID’s spread. Those are the promises I make, because I believe I MUST do my part. 

Will you not promise to do the same…

 

(570 Words) 3-4-2021