SUNNYSIDE UP MOMENT - APRIL 15, 2020

DAY THIRTY OF THE CORONAVIRUS SHUTDOWN FOR US AT STACK 'EM HIGH PANCAKES AND SO FORTH

This is day thirty of the shutdown for our little corner of the world.  The wind is blowing at a strong clip.  The sky is a patchwork of gray.  And understandably, there seems to be a perpetual mounting of pressure.  The palpable stress is not from two consecutive days of intense weather.  It is from thirty consecutive days of intense crisis.  People are starting to get restless.  For some, concern is giving way to dismay or worse yet to disdain.  But let’s pause for a moment.  We need to be keenly aware that not every municipality is well enough to move on.  Illness and infection persist.  We know this intimately as a member of our extended family fights the virus in this very moment. 

The unrelenting nature of the pandemic has become a heavy burden to bear.  The uncertainty of when the turning point will come has begun to boil beneath the surface.  The combined weight of fear and frustration is difficult to withstand.  Yes, these are real and difficult challenges, but they can be met with fierce courage and steadfast strength.  A well exists within us and times like these expose its depth.  A prayer from Peter Marshall appealed to the divine by saying, ”When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” 

These remaining weeks of lockdown require our collective resolve. The health and wellness of our communities and of our loved ones depends on it.  We will not be blown over in the wind, we will capture its energy and use it for the greater good.  Together we too are a force of nature.