We will survive the pandemic
“These are the times that try men’s souls.” Thomas Paine issued that famous quote in 1776, and of course, it had to do with the struggling independence of our great nation. Nonetheless, that quote reverberates through my head as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across America and the world. As we see the statistics surrounding the virus continue to rise nearly exponentially — number of cases, number of positives and number of dead — it is easy to become depressed and fearful.
Businesses are closing down, unemployment is skyrocketing, and depression can set in when one focuses on being quarantined in one’s home or when one goes to the grocery store and sees bare shelves (and the lack of toilet tissue). School children are confused, younger generations are skeptical and continue to “party” unabashedly, and older folks are fearful. Many wonder if they will have their job when the virus is finally conquered, and a lot of us watch our savings deplete as the stock market collapses.
Very few of us are old enough to have lived through the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression. However, many of us have experienced the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009 and the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic. However, the coronavirus pandemic is attacking our nation and other nations with a vengeance unseen for hundreds of years. It is natural to be somewhat afraid, depressed or even angry.
I am by nature a mostly optimistic person; I usually see a glass as “half full,” not “half empty.” I am also a gregarious and very active individual — I love people and am a member of many good organizations. Before the pandemic, I was out of the house more than in it: going, doing, participating, enjoying and thriving. I do not like being cooped up at home (and I think my wife would echo that — she would love it if I would be able to go do things!). Fortunately, I am retired, so I haven’t lost my job like some folks — but even that prospect depresses me some when I think of my son and many others who are uncertain about their future.
Every morning, I have my coffee and sit at my computer — sending out emails and letters to folks. I want them to know I care for them and that Judy and Brian and I are doing OK, but I am sure, in my messages, it might appear that I am, indeed, despondent over the situation. Recently, this was pointed out to me by someone I have known my whole life — a former neighbor in Holyoke, a high school friend and a dear Christian lady whom I love dearly for her obvious concern for my well-being.
Paulette (Groshans) Schliep and I have kept in touch for over half a century after our time together in Holyoke. She and husband Rod are close friends of the Russells, and we treasure their friendship. After I sent her one of my letters, the tone of which must have concerned Paulette considerably, she called me. We talked for a long time, and there was no doubt she wanted me to cheer up and be more positive.
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