There’s no “I” in “TEAM”
I have really wanted to avoid writing about the coronavirus altogether but here I am…holed up in my hotel room in Tempe, trying not to go out in public too much or too often and washing my hands ALL the time. I had wanted to take my daughter out to nice dinners and do some fun things while I was here. Instead, we have mostly, not entirely, stayed in, and I have tried to help her prepare to be inside for awhile. Her school, ASU, is transitioning to online beginning Monday. Today the supermarket around here was nuts. There were no available shopping carts and the lines were extremely long. I didn’t buy all that much to be honest but it seemed like everyone else did. I had to lug around one of those carry baskets, so I fit what I could in it and got things that seemed to make sense for now. The shelves were empty in some areas but mostly stocked so I’m hopeful they will remain that way.
We frequently talk about having to deal with various versions of a “new normal.” I’m not sure any of us were ever expecting this version. I am trying to be smart and calm, and plan ahead for what life has thrown at all of us right now. All the information, while necessary, can be overwhelming, especially with the differing views and different information we continue to get. The unknown is scary. I was thinking today that there’s virtually no one who is not in some way affected by this pandemic. We’re seeing a ripple effect unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. It is literally enormous. We can’t/shouldn’t travel, we can’t/shouldn’t gather in large groups, ie social distancing. Work for most people is completely changing in one way or another, as some businesses are suffering greatly, and others are thriving like never before. People are sick, scared of being sick, and separated from family members. Our entire lives have been turned upside down. When we hear about things like the NBA or MLB stopping play, think about the trickle down to desk employees, and people who sell merchandise and hot dogs, etc. who now don’t have a job to go to. When the concert venue closes, think of the people who no longer have work. And now Disneyland and Disney World. There are tons of examples like these, too many to name. And now schools are closing for the younger kids, sending them home for weeks and maybe months to parents who may have full time jobs and may, or may not, be working from home. It’s a lot to take in. Like I said, it’s a new normal no one saw coming. And the ripple effect is huge.
While this time is a daunting one for many of us, we all handle and process information differently. We have seen some panic and hysteria, and we have seen some refusal to even acknowledge a problem. Neither are the best reactions but they are what they are. The thing I hope for the most is that we all can react with consideration for others and not an “everyone out for themselves” mentality. On a daily basis, we all witness acts of kindness and generosity in so many incredible ways and places. I am blown away by things I see and read and hear about all the time. So when something like the coronavirus happens and brings us to this unprecedented place, I hope those of us, who are not already doing amazing things on the front lines of this fight, ie doctors, nurses, researchers, firefighters and EMTs, etc…the rest of us (me and you) can try hard to be supportive, helpful, kind, considerate, thoughtful and nice. Let’s not grab all the toilet paper, but leave some for others, or buy all the soap rather than save some for the family we see walking up and down the grocery aisles. Let’s remember we are all in this together, we all need soap and toilet paper and peanut butter and rice and beans and on and on and on. Remember, there’s no “I” in “TEAM.” Let’s stay a team!
I’m heading back home in the morning, which is always a bittersweet time for me as I say goodbye to my baby girl. I’m ready to go and she’s ready for me to go, but it is nevertheless a difficult goodbye…for me. But this time it’s compounded by the current crisis. Should she come home? Will most students not return back to campus from spring break? I would think not. Is it irresponsible for me to leave her here? She wants to stay, she says her life is here. So at least for now, until she can see how things go after this next couple weeks, she will stay. And while I feel a bit conflicted about leaving, I’m going to respect her wishes. She can change her mind anytime and will always be welcome back home or she can finish things out here for the semester. I’m grateful that I live on the same coast and she’s not a five hour plane flight away. I hope and pray she will be safe here and stay healthy and busy enough during this strange and new normal. And for everyone’s sake, I hope and pray these scary times pass as quickly as possible. Stay safe, be smart, be kind, and wash your hands!