United We Stand, Well Most of You Do

I have to get serious for a minute...

I’ve been avoiding writing about current events as I know it’s a touchy topic. Just like politics and religion, opinions and reactions are varied. So without sharing my actual feelings about the CoViD19 situation, I will share some thoughts inspired by my sometimes-overly-annoyingly-positive mom.

Being a native New Yorker, we lived through one of the world’s most horrific terrorist attacks. The people of New York, the surrounding areas, and all over the country, put their opinions and prejudices aside and worked together. We leaned on each other to grieve, rebuild, and do whatever we could for others and the greater good.

Years later when hurricane Sandy hit, again we joined together. We opened our homes and our kitchens to those who were suddenly devastated. We did whatever we could to help rebuild once again while we checked on neighbors and even strangers to make sure they had a warm place to sleep and access to food and water.

New Yorkers are pretty epic that way.

I’m no longer in New York though. I am hoping that my new neighbors and local residents share the same sense of community and desire to act for the greater good.

Our country and parts of the world are on high alert and panic is widespread. I am seeing first hand the hysteria as people wait on line for toilet paper and water, baby formula and bleach. No matter how you feel about the actual virus, I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that what’s unfolding is fucking scary.

Even though I do have a disability, I am very independent. I have been food shopping, I have toilet paper and food in my pantry. I am able to get out and get what I need. Not everyone is that lucky.

In keeping with my New York spirit and tenacity, I am hoping we all help others in need as things get worse. I urge anyone out there to please check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, the new mom with the infant down the block. See if they need anything. Make sure they are okay. There are people who are physically unable to leave their homes hoping someone comes to their aid if and when the need arises.

There are too many issues that continue to divide us but right now, regardless of what you believe is happening and why, let’s try to just be good neighbors and friends. ✌🏼