Coronavirus Musings
Death stings less for a life well lived
It has been almost a year that the coronavirus has been such a large part of our lives. We hope that now that the vaccine is available, the impact will soon be past and life will become more than social distancing and masks. But today, it is the dominant influence in my life. It started as a virus that was killing people, many people. Then it was my friend and family that had covid19 but survived. This week it stuck closer. A life-long friend died two day ago. He was careful, wore a mask, stayed in, but luck was not on his side and a home repair man is the suspected contact. Another friend in his eighties was also sent to the hospital and because of his health, I fear he will not survive. He was another who was careful, but the virus found its way to his family. It is no longer a scary cloud, out there. It is here and personal. Following the rule makes survival more likely, but the pandemic is knocking on the door.
Even with people receiving the vaccine, deaths from the virus are more than at any other time so far, more than died in 911 every day. With such a penetration, I guess I was naive to think that following the rule was enough to keep me safe. Yet what else is there. Shutting down the pathways for the virus to find you is really all you can do to fight the virus.
But we need not close our doors and hide. Death is always there, closer for seniors, but staring at everyone who lives. His touch will come for all, new born and centenarian. Coronavirus does not change that. Our purpose in life is to be our best, enjoy the days when death has not yet touched us. Our task is to see beyond the virus, beyond the polarizing politics, beyond calls to hate. The problems of today are really no different than at any other times, perhaps just a little more visible for some of us.
If you are feeling dishearten and discouraged, the advice is the same as it always has been. Look at the good things in your life, count your blessings. Reach out and help another. Be kind especially when you want to retaliate. For me, I remember a time immersed in love and well-being singing, “All you need is love.” Do you have such a memory? It is time to find our better selves. The world will only be better if we make it that way. We are bigger than the coronavirus. Death stings less for a life well lived.
