Doing Without
Sometimes while thinking about this whole ‘Rona situation, I can see some blessings, or lessons, to be learned. Of course, I am not talking about the people who have died or been very sick. Nor am I talking about the kids missing out on memories lost to school shutdowns, or the elderly in care centers and homes not being able to visit with loved ones. These are obvious to spot as conditions brought on by the ‘Rona.
One important lesson, I would go so far as to call it a blessing, is the lesson that we can get by with what we have. Sure, we have all got used to having all we would like anytime we would like but I for one have learned I can get by and even be happy with the basic necessities. I have been guilty of living in excess and have learned to get by on the basic with stores having trouble with getting this and that. I had more chicken when beef prices were high, I used cheap toilet paper when it was hard to find, used off brand substitutes and went without things I like - just to name a few.
The thing I loved the most that I learned is that when the chips are down, we can count on our little community to pull together and look out for each other. I saw time and time again people helping each other through social media, helping friends and neighbors getting by when something was needed and couldn’t be found. Toilet paper was passed around to those who couldn’t find it or get to a store due to health reasons, the same for food, cleaning products and other necessities.
A parade was organized for the elderly at senior centers so family and friends could drive by the residents to offer support of those elderly who had been isolated for weeks and months on end. It was a very special moment in the community, and I have never been prouder of Olney. Local churches took in donations and purchased goods with funds to supply residents who were under self-quarantine with the necessities they needed. Local businesses quickly put in place ways to make sure their customers and fellow community members would be able to safely purchase products and services they needed. Many offered delivery service - some for free, and almost all offered curb side service.
In any situation the bad is easily spotted, but if you look hard enough there is good to see as well. The call was sent out when the ‘Rona hit, and I am proud to say Olney answered the call resoundingly with a great abundance of support for each other during a time of crisis.
This is Will B. saying “look for the silver lining on a cloudy day!”