Time
How have our expectations of what, where, and who we are changed?
It has been a little over a month since the stay-in-place order was issued by Governor Newsom.
The "what" is the virus.
The shark in the water.
The game of Russian Roulette.
The random finger of fate reminds both the high and the low of their mortality.
The "where" is the place we thought we would be.
The plans.
Spring.
Planning our summer vacations.
The gatherings after work and on the weekends with family and friends.
Holidays.
Now, all is put on hold.
Put on a shelf for another time, a future place.
Who has been changed?
The nurse is working a double shift and can't go home because she might carry the virus.
The waitress at the diner who no longer has a job.
The Doctor is reusing their PPE.
The construction worker is currently out of work because all projects have been put on hold.
The Captain of an aircraft carrier who stood up for his crew but lost his career.
All of us have been changed to some degree by this event.
This crisis.
This space.
This time.
Change comes, but not in the way we expect it to.
Or want it to…
When change comes, we have two choices.
To grind our teeth, to become angry, to resent the messenger, to deny reality.
Or…
To open our hearts, open our minds, begin the good work, and become hope.
The first way leads to a dead end, making the world worse.
The second way leads to making the world better.
Better...worse...better...worse?
This crisis has exposed the rot in our world.
Like a bright light in a dark corner, what we thought was healthy turns out to be sick.
We need a better healthcare system that serves all.
We need a better-elected government to serve all of the People.
We need a better faith that doesn't put wealth over the lives and welfare of its followers.
We need to look out better, not just for ourselves but for our community.
We need to care.
Our nation requires care.
Its people need care.
It's time for all of us to care for one another.
Stay home, save lives.
It's time we do the right thing this time, the first time.
No more waiting till the last minute.
You are the hope the world is waiting for.
Peace.
Daniel J Frey aka Toby