Listen Up: Weeping May Endure for a Night...

BY CHERIE BUCKNER-WEBB

I awakened one morning and the moment I opened my eyes, a song burst from my heart and onto my lips. I sat up singing an old gospel standard. One I had not heard since I was a youngster – a very, very, very long time ago. I remembered every word: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.” And I was weeping and singing and rejoicing in a mighty way. My spirit was light. After months of anxiety, stress, and great challenges in virtually every aspect of our lives, I joined in – guardedly – taking a deep breath and breathing a collective sigh of relief.

I witnessed valiant men and women, working day and night to meet the needs of hundreds of Idahoans, often to their own detriment.

It is my hope that I have learned from and been humbled by the lessons of the pandemic past. It is my fervent prayer that we, the collective community, have stepped out of our complacence, arrogance, and selfishness with a new awareness of the interconnectedness of humanity. We have witnessed and experienced more pain, suffering, and loss in the last months than in much of our lives. Regrettably, we have also witnessed a level of avarice, prejudice, and hatred that I have not previously seen. But why now, I wonder?

I am so appreciative of the opportunity to live another day. I was fortunate to get both COVID-19 vaccinations and walked around as if invincible. Then up popped sepsis – I didn’t even know what it was until we were formally introduced in the emergency room (and I hope we never meet again). During the week I spent in the hospital, and during several weeks of recovery, I witnessed valiant men and women, working day and night to meet the needs of hundreds of Idahoans, often to their own detriment. Weary, tired, courageous, purposeful, compassionate folks, doing much more than their regular jobs.

I became acutely aware of those most seldom acknowledged, the ones who made our lives manageable during the height of misery and continue to do so daily: ministers, teachers, checkers, servers, service providers, food preparers, bank employers, delivery personnel, educators, sanitation workers, grocers, healthcare workers…those on the front lines whomwe often take for granted. I have made a personal commitment to honor those often anonymous. I vow to intentionally give them their earned appreciation and my gratitude. Now, as I blessedly celebrate the end of infection and beginning of healing, I remain careful to take precautions, to avoid infection, to demonstrate care and concern for humanity with responsible actions. I will be mindful. As my grandfather Luther E. Johnson often reminded me from the Book of Matthew, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Listen up.

About the author

The Honorable Cherie Buckner-Webb is an Idaho State Senator, Certified Professional Coach, Consultant and Motivational Speaker