We’re Stronger Together – Thank YOU!

Hello All,

I know we are in unprecedented times. The entire world is facing the same challenge, combating a new virus. It is a time that is scary and difficult. It is also a time when we have seen a huge number of examples of the incredible nature of the human spirit. Neighbors offering to take care of their elderly friends with grocery and drug store runs. School systems developing wonderful curricula in order for the students to continue to learn. Churches providing spiritual support on-line. In Spain a fitness instructor providing a fitness class on the roof of his building so his neighbors can see him and do their exercises. In Italy the incredible sound of music from balconies – opera, their national anthem. In the United States a brother and sister providing a cello concert on their neighbor’s front porch. Neighbors sitting across the street from each other and talking, maintaining social distance while staying connected. (Kudos Lauren H!) Many entertainers providing impromptu concerts and reading books on line. Entertainers and sports figures donating money to help. And if you have not seen the Chino Valley USD students singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow (the Hawaiian version), then pop out to YouTube and search Chino Valley USD Students Spread Hope During School Closures to COVID-19. It makes me so proud to be an American.

And in the US, our entire public service sector is coming together to be sure that people who are in need can be cared for. 

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We didn’t need to look far for the helpers! Thank YOU for helping. Thank you to each and every person who works in the healthcare and first responder sectors. Thank you for serving others even as your children are at home. Thank you for working long hours in hot garb and gear to be sure our most fragile citizens are safe and treated. Thank you for being the first line of defense to keep others safe. Thank for your skills, your care, your compassion.

Many thanks to the grocery stores (both large and small) owners and workers who have changed hours and worked diligently to keep their shelves stocked. And thank you too for developing special times for the elderly and compromised to shop.

Thank you to every warehouse and trucking service for delivering all of the necessities. I am hoping you are seeing a little less traffic to contend with!

Thank you to all of our government employees – local, state and federal- who are working to design and implement solutions in unprecedented times. Let us pray that they continue to find ways to work in bipartisan fashion to make our nation whole.

Thank you to our teachers who have worked tirelessly to get packets of information to our children. I expect that after these next few weeks we will realize even more how incredibly needed they are…..how much they give…..and how difficult their jobs are!

And thank you to all of our restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries who have figured out new and creative ways to keep us fed! (Did you know that for over 45% of us that is where we get our major meals?) Make sure you get takeout!

Find ways to keep in touch! Social distance doesn’t mean social disengagement. Tweet – call – send cards – Instagram – send a text boost for the day – and I know you have thought of a million other ways! We are in this together!

I know I have missed people to thank; it is so hard to mention everyone. We owe ALL of you a huge debt of gratitude – for your creativity – for your fortitude – for your commitment to your fellow men and women. We are blessed.

And never forget that love and kindness win.

Phyl

P.S. And good hand washing!