Kudos to our pandemic performance

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/08/2020 (1011 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Six months ago the world changed. The entire world. Planet Earth. I still have a hard time wrapping my head around that thought. It feels like we’re in some apocalyptic movie. Few catastrophes have enveloped every country as this has, but we should be proud of ourselves.
Almost everything was cancelled: work, school, weddings, funerals, graduations, concerts, travel, parties, fundraisers and sports. It slowed us down for awhile, but then people began to re-invent their lives. We started to make lemonade out of those scary COVID-19 lemons all around us.

Virtual fundraising campaigns replaced the door-to-door and large group events. Parking lots were transformed into graduation venues, with the focus on the individual versus the large group. And when we couldn’t have parties anymore, the party came to us. I accidently joined a parade, and even though I didn’t know the young man, I was glad to be part of the group that made his day. I do love a parade.

The term essential worker expanded to include occupations we hadn’t considered before. People showed their appreciation to those whose jobs put them directly in the line of fire. Meals were donated, colourful posters appeared in the windows of homes, shops and hospitals, and we started to hear more of the old-fashioned thank-yous.

It has been pointed out that, although we are all weathering the same storm, we aren’t all in the same boat. Struggles that existed before the pandemic have been amplified, and those who were vulnerable before have even fewer resources. Human social connections are more important than ever. We need to step outside of our comfort zones and reconnect in conversation. We must engage with each other if we want to thrive.

In closing, I’ve completed two cycling challenges for cancer. I’m not a brunette anymore. I forgot about the mute button on Zoom while the plumber was working loudly in the next room. I didn’t get as much housework done as I should have. Other things just seemed more important.

At a time when it’s so easy to complain, try to lead with a smile, and others will follow. I want to finish with a huuuge virtual hug for everyone. You should be proud of yourself. We’ve proved that we can do this. Stay safe.

Wanda Prychitko is a community correspondent for St. James-Assiniboia. Contact wprychitko@yahoo.ca

Wanda Prychitko
St. James-Assiniboia community correspondent

Wanda Prychitko is a community correspondent for St. James-Assiniboia.

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