Common sense is beginning to set in. All the social distancing we have been experiencing has now become the normal pattern. I’m not going to sugar-coat it, I am hugger. I call everyone ‘darling’ and open up my arms wide to embrace whoever is in front of me. Not anymore, however – that is a no-no! Now, a smile has to suffice in place of the warm body press that I used to exchange.
Yet, even with the profound human changes that have taken place, I am still hopeful because I see a new awakening happening and it is remarkable. The infectiousness of the corona virus has a side effect – it’s Kindness. What I am seeing is prevalent – kindness is sprouting up everywhere even in the most unlikely places. It is cropping up in places that usually require courage and strength before walking through the door. Now, it’s become the unimagined contagion.
From what I have witnessed, people have come together despite the social distance rule in place. I saw a college-aged student give wide berth to a frail masked and gloved senior, all the while maintaining smiling eyes. I immediately thought of a favorite John Prine song ‘Hello In There’, it was beautiful. I also watched as a grocery clerk reached in her pocket and paid for a young mother’s milk order just because. And I observed a Harley-riding bandana-wearing gentleman dressed in leathers hold up a ‘Thank You’ sign outside of a hospital’s changing shift. All of these were extraordinary acts of kindness borne out of human crises.
From people making sure those in quarantine don’t feel alone, and those who turned canceled events into opportunities to give back, I stand in awe. I am so enamored by these feats of greatness, that if I am dreaming, I don’t want to wake up!
This new awakening of the human spirit is a welcome and sorely missed societal attribute. I believe that as we sail through this pandemic we will all emerge stronger in character and kinder in heart for that is what the angels have been dreaming up! And, I have that on High authority!