Several weeks have passed since I asked the question, how long will this pandemic last? At the time, I held on to a hope that people would see the benefits of peaceful coexistence, safe and healthy life choices, and new ways of being good to one another. I was firm and optimistic in my belief that we would emerge as modified beings, perhaps something akin to those we imagine living in another universe, far off in some distant galaxy. But alas, I woke up from my dream, came back to the real world, and recognized that this is just me and my obsession with finding and living in a better place one day. It feels like we might be approaching a new phase of this pandemic with a new world order emerging. Sadly, that new world order is eerily similar to the world we lived in five-months ago.
Recalling those acts of kindness which took place in that parking garage back in May, still brings a smile to my face. The manner in which total strangers interacted very politely by sharing available parking spaces was truly a sight to behold. But recently, reality snapped back into focus as I witnessed a mad rush for one parking space. One quick turn, followed by an aggressive cut-off move, made for some edgy, tension-filled moments. Living together in a world where someone always gets cut off is not the good life I was hoping for in my post-pandemic world.
Perhaps the most disturbing development to emerge from the pandemic is the number of households negatively impacted by COVID-19. I often take for granted the fact that I live a relatively quiet and comfortable retired life. Generally speaking, it’s easy for me to shelter in place. I’m not relying on the stability of a place of employment to support a family, to pay a mortgage, and to feed children. I have none of those concerns. But millions of Americans who work in roles deemed essential, are living a reality which has become their personal nightmare. Childcare, senior care, education, contact sports, and even funeral services have all been dramatically impacted or ground to a halt as we struggle to control the spread of the virus. Out of work citizens face the threat of eviction and foreclosure, resulting in our society being turned upside down and its confidence shaken at its foundation. Our next pandemic may very well be homelessness, just in time for a presidential election in November 2020. Woefully, until our leadership comes together to implement a meaningful strategy for survival and recovery, the outlook for someone my age is no better than dim.
Reverting back to the way we were seems only natural. After all, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and sheltering in place take real commitment, drive, and purpose. These are not things we do particularly well. Training the brain and the body to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reasons is tough. Five-months into this pandemic, one would think that we would be ready to shoulder the job of personal responsibility. Sadly, it appears that we are missing the opportunity to not only consider, but also implement ways to become better citizens in our world. Current conditions suggest that it will take longer than a COVID-19 pandemic to master the much-needed changes.
I look forward to the day when I can say to my nieces and nephews that I’m proud of the world my generation passed on to them. I want to say that we worked together on the tough issues to get equality and fairness right. I want to be able to share that we slowed down just enough to acknowledge one another and appreciate how individual uniqueness became our strength. I really want to explain how we overcame one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history. And once the hand-off is complete, I want to turn to them and ask them to focus on the good in the world and trust that good will always triumph over that which is harmful. Harmful to them, their loved ones, and the environment.
Yes, there will be a flip side to this pandemic. That other side I envisioned back in May was just a dream. Dreaming about a better world is just one of the things that people like me are consumed with these days. All dreams aside, my goal is to be alive and to share in the experience of a healthy, post-pandemic life with my family.
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