WHAT I “LOVE” ABOUT THIS COVID-19 EXPERIENCE by Phillip Van Hooser, author and keynote speaker
Ienough.
f you’re looking for a reason to vent today, the title may be reason
“How dare anyone suggest they ‘love’ something as horrid as COVID-19,” you might be thinking – or even screaming. “This self-centered author (jerk) probably is ignoring public health directives, convinced he’s somehow special and immune to it all.” “Seriously! Is he completely clueless regarding the severity of this situation?”
COLLECTIVE VULNERABILITY In the early stages of my search, the first glimmer of hope appeared cloaked in obvious weakness, despair and helplessness. I have sensed it in the downcast tone of daily updates provided by our local, state and world leaders. It’s evident in the eyes of exhausted caregivers. I even have heard it in the innocence of a child wondering if “it’s OK to breathe today?” I’m finding that weakness, despair and hopelessness, as painful as each can be, also are great equalizers when experienced and shared with others. One thing we must realize – we’re all in this together.
If there ever was a justifiable time to let off pent-up angst, it surely must be now. I get it. I’m feeling it, too. Isn’t everyone? So, if unleashing vitriol helps you cope with our current situation, then I’m good with that. After all, the objective is to help you in some way – both now and into the future. And, we need all the help we can get right now.
In times past, natural catastrophes might have given rise to communities, regions and even entire countries rallying together in their shared moment of need. But, the entire world? People of every age and ethnicity, every socio-economic classification, every political or religious inclination all suffering from the effects of the same malady at the same time? It simply has never happened before.
THE STARK REALIZATION Like everyone else, I am trying desperately to come to grips with our world’s new current reality. Less than six short months ago, it was inconceivable that more than a handful of the people on this planet could have accurately described what COVID-19 – the coronavirus – was or, frankly, even cared.
We quickly learned that COVID-19 is no respecter of persons. Though some have proven more susceptible to its physical ravages than others, every human has proven capable of being an agent of transport – a carrier. We have suffered personally, or unknowingly provided opportunity for the suffering to occur in another or watched helplessly as the suffering morphed around us.
Yet less than 180 days later, well over a million people worldwide have been stricken by it. Tens of thousands have died from it. And, economies on every continent lay in tatters due to it.
COLLECTIVE CREATIVITY Again, like it or not, we are all in it together. I call this new reality “collective vulnerability.” And, when collectively vulnerable, the only conceivable way to fight a common enemy and win is to do so collectively … together.
A previously anonymous disease, COVID-19 became known everywhere virtually overnight. The images and repercussions of the resulting human tragedy are likely to live with us all our lives. Frankly, it may be too early for some, maybe even you, to begin an intentional search for positives. But, from a mental health perspective, I can’t wait. I’m searching now for any positives that might be drawn from this nightmare. Otherwise, I fear every future thought and memory of this coronavirus plague – especially the loss and suffering – will continue to cause emotional devastation long after the virus itself has run its course. So, I’m telling myself, “If I can just learn something from this experience, then the great cost of human life and suffering will not be completely in vain.” 36
the american MOLD BUILDER | Issue 2 2020
Thankfully, we are. We have washed our hands and kept our distance out of greater concern for the safety of the aged, weak and physically compromised among us. With soap and water as our primary weapons, we marched forth to do battle with this unseen enemy. Almost overnight, industrial leaders turned their facilities from making automobiles and pillows to ventilators and surgical masks. Healthcare and residential care providers donned those masks and stared down prevailing airborne pathogens – not in an effort to prove themselves heroic, but rather to stay true to their calling and commitment, to serve others selflessly despite personal risk.
