Corona Chronicles Part IX: Survivors: Two-Years Later

 Part IX is dedicated to all of the health care workers, first responders, and mental health care givers who have worked on the front lines and behind the lines these past 2 years. I want to acknowledge the 2-year mark and anniversary of the COVID-19 health emergency (March 13, 2020) and all who have endured this most difficult and challenging time. I mark this time and 2 year anniversary because it has a way of helping remember how far I have come and how far you have come in two years. I know that almost everyone has been touched by COVID-19 and almost everyone knows someone who died from it. We remember them too.

So, let us remember and reflect on these two years. I know that time and distance can help me and you to see more clearly at times. So, we may need time, looking back one day, to see where we have been. Even so, I look back and feel a sense of appropriate satisfaction that I have helped and continue to help those who are ill and those who are suffering with the physical, emotional, and spiritual illness and distress. Thank you, too, for your hard work and your dedication. May you be able to just stop a minute and give thanks for your life and the honor of helping at a critical juncture in our nation's history. We are survivors. You are surviving and so am I. We will go forward, albeit tired and worn out, yet knowing that a better day may hopefully arrive. That's my hope for you and me.

Now, may the God of love, truth, justice and mercy bless you and keep you. May a double portion of love be returned to you as you give your best to help the most vulnerable. May the LORD bless your children and grandchildren. May peace be with you and across the globe. Where there is hate, may sensibilities and goodness win the day. May evil be blotted out and may children and the aged have their needs met and may we give boldly, and even receive boldly, all that comes our way. Finally, may our faith grow as we suffer and sacrifice and may we be as good to ourselves as we are good to all those we know and help. Amen.