“These are the times that try men’s souls.” The famous quote by Thomas Paine has definitely never been true than right now. The coronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives and as tired as most of us already are of it, we still have a ways to go.
We all realized a lot of businesses, especially small businesses, are taking a beating. One of the issues we are facing here at The Columbian-Progress is stories, or lack of. With no sports to report and all events and gatherings canceled, it has been hard. Of course we have COVID-19, but if you are like me, you might need something more than just that. Let’s face it even the commercials on television are talking about it. You might escape catching the virus, but you won’t escape hearing about it in large doses.
I have been trying and encouraging people to share good news to offset the non-stop virus coverage. This is a scary time and all of us are really in the same boat with dealing with something we have never dealt with before. Sharing good news and feel-good stories are a great way to take our minds off the craziness of the world even if only for a few moments. Trust me this paper is not about me or anyone else here; we don’t mind sharing the pages with you; in fact, we want to.
Do not get me wrong: This virus is very serious and dangerous for a lot of people. I am by no means downplaying it. Everyone needs to get on board and follow the guidelines of the CDC. It has seemed like by mid-afternoon people have been bored from sitting in their houses and decided to load up and go to the store. Bad idea! One person going to the store at a time is sufficient. Having a reunion in aisle 7 also is a bad idea; don’t do it. The sooner everyone does what we need to do, the sooner we can go back normal whatever that may be after this.
What to do at home? Obviously clean, clean, clean and when you are finished, clean some more. When you finish with that spend time with your family and use this time to reconnect. Reminisce about some great times, pull out the photo albums and share laughs together. While you are remembering that special trip, what a great time to write it down and share it with us.
What are your children doing during this time? This is a great time to encourage creativity. Instead of being online playing games and browsing social media, use the internet to come up with ways to keep learning going in fun ways. Then share your idea so others can have fun with learning too.
Again I know this is serious, and it is very hard. I had plans in a couple of weeks of traveling to Atlanta to visit my aunt and a couple of cousins, all of whom are in their 70s. Yes, I am postponing the trip sadly but it is better than risking it especially for their sake. I have a son who was to go to Disney World and 24 hours before they were set to leave, Disney World announced it was closing. This is affecting all of us. If you are like me I feel like I can’t plan anything because of the uncertainty of it and then I get to thinking once things get better and restrictions are eased up everything is going to be super packed so should I even try to schedule anything?
In the end I feel like I need to remind everyone we are going to be fine. We will get through this, and we will be better because of it. It is a rough time right now, but it is also allowing a spoiled society to learn to focus on what is really important: your health and your family.
One last note, there are not enough words of encouragement to shout out to all of the essential workers. Our medical personnel, law enforcement, grocery store workers and everyone else who still has to get out there every day risking exposure. Know the work you are doing is appreciated.
It is not easy dealing with a world that is scared and people are not thinking clearly sometimes. You all are doing a great job.
Susan Amundson is managing editor of The Columbian-Progress. She may be reached at (601) 736-2611 or samundson@columbianprogress.com.
