Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped in a time loop? You know what I mean. A Phil Connors in Groundhog Day kind of situation where you experience the same thing over and over again. If so, congratulations. You are living it. Right now during this global pandemic, we’re in our own version of Groundhog Day. Each hour has an alarming similarity, and it’s not a whole bunch of fun.
Truth is, the coronavirus is an invader that’s run rampant. As a result, many people have become seriously ill. Others have died.
Lately, I’ve heard a lot of grumbling. Mostly from people who don’t like what they’re being asked to do to keep themselves and others safe. We might be wise to remember this isn’t the first time our citizens have been asked to make sacrifices for the common good. Take a look at history.
During World War II, people on the home front contributed to the war effort in many ways. The government issued ration books and allowed only a certain number of points per person for food purchases each week. Here’s a short article to show how rationing worked. Some supplies like meat, butter, sugar, and canned milk were hard to get. Cooks didn’t get mad. They got inventive, and came up with their own wartime recipes using what they had on hand. If you’re interested, here’s a site that collects World War II recipes.
But it wasn’t only food in short supply. Gasoline was also rationed. You might be allowed only a few gallons a week. Nevertheless, Americans were united in doing what needed to be done.
I suppose you could label such sacrifices as government overstepping its bounds and tromping on the personal rights of citizens. Americans had to do without things they needed or wanted. Yet rationing continued throughout the war years (that’s years, not months), and most people appeared to see compliance as their patriotic duty. They did what they were asked to do because they wanted to win the war.
Here we are facing a similar situation. It’s not what anybody wants to hear, but the pandemic is not going away soon. Perhaps we should look at our responsibilities in another way. Think about it like this. We are in a war, and we’d like the war to end sooner rather than later. How can we help make this happen? Simple. We can slow down the spread of the virus until a cure/vaccine is found.
Slow it down?
Yes, and think how lucky we are. There’s no need to march off into a battlefield with guns blazing. All we’re asked to do is follow the recommendations of experts. Stay at home as much as possible, and away from large groups. Wear a mask and social distance. Wash hands often. These steps are a tiny annoyance, to be sure, but certainly not difficult. I don’t know about you, but I’d feel terrible if I ignored recommendations and unknowingly spread the disease to vulnerable people. If compliance helps save lives, as we’ve been advised it will, why not cooperate?
This isn’t the first time Americans have been asked to unite in the effort to defeat a deadly enemy. Most likely it won’t be the last. What happens on the home front, influences the fight. Can’t we prove we’re just as determined to come together and win the war as our ancestors were?
That’s my message, gang. I don’t usually write serious posts, but I felt this needed to be said.
Please do your best to stay safe. Take care of yourself AND each other.
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Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also the author of a contemporary sweet romance series and a Christmas collection of short stories and creative nonfiction.
12 Responses
You are so right, Pat! Well stated.
Thanks, Sally! If this post makes even one person stop ignoring what will worsen the pandemic, I’ll be grateful.
Pat–I get angry when I see people unmasked. I get really angry when I see people crowded together and partying, all unmasked. It’s not other people’s right to put my life at risk. People today are selfish. Things have to happen immediately for them to be happy. Getting the coronavirus to disappear immediately is not going to happen. The way we’re conducting ourselves, I’m afraid there will be a second surge before a vaccine is developed.
Thankfully, when I’m wearing a mask, I can mumble and grumble about the people who are NOT masked.
We ARE at war. Unfortunately, many of our troops have gone AWOL. They’ve taken off their uniforms, they’ve left the battleground, and they’re off partying at a resort… unconcerned about their fellow troopmates who are dying.
I’m afraid you’re right, Sioux. I’m glad no dialogue bubble appears over my head when people are unmasked. I’d be in big trouble if they could see what I’m thinking.
Oh Pat, thank you. This is so well written and I love every word. My Gram told me stories of the 1918 flu pandemic — she lost her baby sister to it. The sadness and fear Gram endured has always stuck with me.
I wear my mask everywhere. It is my right — and also my responsibility. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, it’s hot, but compared to other times and sacrifices throughout history, it’s a small price to pay. My daughter has made and donated over 200 masks to various health clinics and hospitals, including to my son’s vet clinic. I believe we must all do our part and stay united in our effort. The pandemic isn’t soon going away, and until we find good and lasting therapeutics, we must learn to live and thrive within it, try to find joy where we can. The hardest thing for me is not being able to be with my family, to hug and hold my Grandbabies. But Hubby and I are both high risk, so we’ve been staying in and sheltered as much as possible. Stay well, safe, and blessed, my friend. Happy Fourth!
Thanks for your kind words, Teri. This is a tough time for sure, but there have been many difficult moments in history. We overcome them more quickly when we work together.
Your daughter is a blessing. Kudos to her for her hard work and generosity. 🙂
Well penned article. I struggle to understand why there’s anyone who cannot see it this way.
I agree, Denise. 🙁
pat, you have stated exactly what I feel. We must care about others. It breaks my heart to see the blatant disregard for others.
I know, Linda. It’s so hard to understand why this should be an issue.
Well said, Pat. I find it upsetting when I see crowds of people acting like the virus is gone or never even existed. Where I live, near a resort town, you see practically no masks and certainly no reasonable distance between people. It’s so easy to wear a mask when you think about the alternative–a ventilator.
I couldn’t agree more, Amy. It’s such a small sacrifice to make.