The United States is known as a world leader. Well, now we are a world leader in a category we never wanted, COVID-19. At this time, we have some 15 million infected citizens and roughly three hundred thousand deaths caused by the dreaded virus.
We have collectively, as a nation, stuck our heads in the sand while the tornado of death swirls around us. I truly cannot understand how some cannot believe the danger this virus poses and tend to discredit anyone who tries to tell them just how bad it can be.
But for those families who have been touched by it, it is a real as the sound of a ventilator trying to keep their loved ones alive, and as final as the casket lid that closes over them when they can fight no more.
I am as tired of dealing with it as anyone else. I must work wearing a mask and try to socially distance even though I am usually surrounded by customers in the retail job that I have. We all have “COVID fatigue.” The future does not look promising any time soon.
Yet if we look back across time to one hundred years ago, we see our ancestors had to deal with the deadly Spanish Flu as well as World War 1. Together they caused roughly 50 million deaths and unimaginable loss. I believe though, that those who suffered through that dark time had to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or have a strong enough faith to believe the light was there. They had to believe that after the dark months of cold and death, spring would still come, the earth would warm and there would be a rebirth of the earth and the soul.
For me, when I look into the eyes of my granddaughters and I see that sparkle of life and the endless possibilities that their futures hold, I must believe in the light at the end of this COVID-19 tunnel.
As we look around our world, there is war, famine, and disease. Poverty and homelessness abound, and we want to protect our families. As adults, we know it is our job. Yet I believe that the future will be saved by the generation that follows us.
Vaccines may help but it will be the young children of today, that will ensure there will be tomorrows for humanity.
When you read this, we will be beginning a new year. A year that I hope will be so much better for all.
Remember that as we struggle through the cold, grey, miserable winter, we must keep our heads up and our hearts faithful, believing that there will always be Spring.
We have collectively, as a nation, stuck our heads in the sand while the tornado of death swirls around us. I truly cannot understand how some cannot believe the danger this virus poses and tend to discredit anyone who tries to tell them just how bad it can be.
But for those families who have been touched by it, it is a real as the sound of a ventilator trying to keep their loved ones alive, and as final as the casket lid that closes over them when they can fight no more.
I am as tired of dealing with it as anyone else. I must work wearing a mask and try to socially distance even though I am usually surrounded by customers in the retail job that I have. We all have “COVID fatigue.” The future does not look promising any time soon.
Yet if we look back across time to one hundred years ago, we see our ancestors had to deal with the deadly Spanish Flu as well as World War 1. Together they caused roughly 50 million deaths and unimaginable loss. I believe though, that those who suffered through that dark time had to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or have a strong enough faith to believe the light was there. They had to believe that after the dark months of cold and death, spring would still come, the earth would warm and there would be a rebirth of the earth and the soul.
For me, when I look into the eyes of my granddaughters and I see that sparkle of life and the endless possibilities that their futures hold, I must believe in the light at the end of this COVID-19 tunnel.
As we look around our world, there is war, famine, and disease. Poverty and homelessness abound, and we want to protect our families. As adults, we know it is our job. Yet I believe that the future will be saved by the generation that follows us.
Vaccines may help but it will be the young children of today, that will ensure there will be tomorrows for humanity.
When you read this, we will be beginning a new year. A year that I hope will be so much better for all.
Remember that as we struggle through the cold, grey, miserable winter, we must keep our heads up and our hearts faithful, believing that there will always be Spring.
Lonnie McKelvey is a freelance writer based in Fort Payne, Alabama, and is a regular contributor to Grandparents Day Magazine.
