TURNING THE CORNER
by
Chuck Cascio
Over the past year, I have--
>>>Seen the empty parking lots of shuttered businesses.
>>>Heard a president say that a pandemic that has now killed as many Americans as were lost in World War II would "disappear."
>>>Missed visits, hugs, laughter, and vacations with my kids, grandkids, other relatives, and friends.
>>>Felt the disappointment of students unable to attend college, high school, or elementary school with their classmates, and the social interactions so critical to those brief years.
>>>Missed the outings to concerts, theaters, movies, restaurants, and other simple social gatherings.
>>>Seen a presidential election marred by anger, lies, and disgraceful comments and actions by the "leader" in power.
>>>Witnessed with sadness, horror, and anger the assault fueled on our Capitol by a demagogue, an assault that included the hateful racist and anti-semitic signage and screams reminiscent of another era in another land along with chants to hang the vice president and kill some member of Congress.
>>>Come to realize that this presidency and this pandemic have revealed tragic evidence of simmering anger, a desire for "privilege," and an incomprehensible fear of seeing others gain the fundamental elements that make life comfortable, enjoyable, and fulfilling for each individual.
Yet...there is now a corner to be turned, and I believe (or want to believe) that we are turning it because--
>>>I have seen people determined to defeat the killer virus by adhering to rules of wearing masks, social distancing, and other steps to safeguard health even when threatened by those who felt their "privilege" was being compromised.
>>>I have seen more kids outside playing and adults walking than had been the norm as they sought diversion from the suffocating events surrounding them.
>>>I have learned to compensate for missed relationships by using other means of communication that are not as intimate but are still rewarding.
>>>I have seen individuals treat employees with great respect and kindness in health care, grocery stores, education, and other professions that we finally realize are "essential."
>>>I have come to value more than ever the passage of time, the simple joys of daily life, and the importance of understanding that reality extends beyond ourselves.
Perhaps as the hate-filled presidency of the past four years and the nightmarish events of the past couple of months end, we will move toward a greater sense that we are all in this together. The virus--whether defined as corona or politics or both--has proven that.
So as we turn the corner, let's consider the value of health for all, employment for all, security for all, and opportunities for all.
Let's turn it and not forget the raging hatred we have experienced, but let's not let that define our future.
Let's turn it and take new pleasure in seeing the parking lots fill, the schools reopen, the family and friends return to our lives, and the simple, personal ways we have learned to fill our lives.
Let's turn the corner...and take the new, open road ahead.
Copyright: Chuck Cascio, all rights reserved.
