SUNNYSIDE UP MOMENT - APRIL 17, 2020

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

My brother’s wife is a first-rate journalist and one of the voices of Upstate University Hospital and Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York.  Last week Emily reported on the nearly two dozen nurses from her hospital heading downstate to fight the virus alongside their colleagues at Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island.  This week another twenty-two nurses, pharmacists and respiratory therapists are en route to the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis.  The New York City area is again ground zero, this time to the devastating coronavirus.

I have read Emily’s articles and posts many times over and without fail the words that keep bringing me to my knees are, “WE’RE ON OUR WAY.”  This rebel yell moves me to my core.  Armed with masks and gloves and a whole lot of moxie, these skilled healthcare professionals have readily thrown down the gauntlet and are marching straight into the fight.  These men and women were not ordered or required to go.  They were compelled, motivated by a force greater than themselves.  Not only are they on the way to heal the sick, they are on the way to provide respite for their weary colleagues who have been working without ceasing.  Badges of honor rightfully belong to these onward soldiers. 

They also belong to the myriad of people who work behind the scenes to fortify the efforts of those on the front lines.  The ones who stock, supply, inventory, clean, maintain and nourish.  There is an army of essential workers that make the fight against disease possible.  The battalion of souls that answer the call to serve the greater good is often nameless and faceless, but no less brave.  We owe a great debt to every janitor, every maintenance worker, every cafeteria employee and every telephone operator as well.  As the brigade was leaving Syracuse the streets were lined with well-wishers holding signs and tossing gifts into their passing cars.  One of the posters read, "One Team.  One Fight."  And all I could think was, YES!  A declaration of a united front!

Winston Churchill said, “fear is a reaction and courage is a choice.”  Well I say, Godspeed and Good Luck.  You’re paving the way for miracles.  And know that when you find your way home, the ones you have touched will never forget.  Thank you Upstate.  Thank you downstate.  God Bless You, Everyone.

Follow the stories of these brave warriors at their website:  https://www.upstate.edu/news/