Good Things I've Experienced During the Pandemic

Yes, I have really seen many good things during this time when we are experiencing a pandemic. For one thing, I've loved all the concern that younger people have shown to us "old folks". Neighbors have offered to get food from the grocery store for us and run errands. People have stepped way back after they knock on our door. Their concern has really touched me. Since the grocery stores have made a special early time for the "seniors" to shop, we haven't needed their help, yet, but it is good to know they are watching out for us, and that the stores are also trying to protect us.

Also, I've seen wealthy executives giving financial support to the many small businesses which are in danger of going under. Homes have not been foreclosed, and families have not been evicted. It seems like a kinder world. In some ways it reminds me of how people are at Christmastime, but without the bustling.

That's another good thing I've seen -- people are not rushing around! I've seen families enjoying playing in parks; spaced out of course. It has been fun watching families playing on our beaches. I never thought of a desert community having beaches, but we do. As the Virgin River slowly winds its way through our towns it creates sandy beaches along its shore where families are now splashing around together. Even though some are out of work, and I know they must have worries, people seem to be more relaxed and really enjoying being with their families. It's like they have looked up and finally noticed how much their family means to them. 

I've seen a greater kindness online as people have created all sorts of pandemic jokes. The humor has extended beyond social media. I just stood there and laughed when I saw the large "mouse" trap in a neighbor's yard baited with toilet paper!  Online, there have also been all sorts of positive posts and encouraging thoughts. I've felt a lot of love as people have been reaching out to each other as they are trying to help their friends and family cope with the social isolation. 

To help the youth deal with not being able to have their high school graduations, signs have been put in yards recognizing their accomplishment and photos taken, individually, at the high school.  Even the fifth graders have been given signs recognizing their hard work. I've loved seeing in the  the yards of our neighbors who are teachers and custodians signs expressing appreciation for all the service they give.

We've even had car parades for missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who, due to the pandemic, have had to suddenly return home, but have been unable to visit anyone.   After writing these young men while they have been serving, it has been so good to see them again. 

The creativity has been so fun! I've loved how our "boxes" have been shaken up and caring new solutions found. People have honked or waved at homes to help celebrate 50th wedding anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays. In France, a quarantined sister missionary has told me that everyone opens their windows and claps at nine each night just to let each other know they are still there. Hasn't it been great the extra effort people have gone to provide free virtual museum and art tours, professionals offering free online lessons, virtual house tours, and national parks tours. 

Think of all the business owners who have now seen that their employees can really work from home.  Think of all the grandparents who are now using technology to keep in touch with their grandchildren. Think of all the teachers who have used computers to offer education to their students. We've even been able to study the gospel together and watch inspiring videos in our homes. It is exciting to experience how technology can be used in such positive ways.

Yes, it has been wonderful to see so much love around us. We seem to be more focused on relationships instead of money, on our families instead of work, on serving instead of acquiring. Sure, I would like to hug my grandchildren again and not have to wipe off everything before it can be brought into our home, but I really don't want to return to our old life. 

Recently, I saw a video of the play, Harvey. Near the end, Mr. Dobbs sister is given the choice to keep her kind, generous brother as he is, or make him "normal".  The taxi driver warns her, "You know what stinkers they can be!"  Wringing her hands, his sister cries out that she doesn't want her brother to turn into a regular "normal" person.

That's our question too. Do you really want to go back to our old "normal"? Are you eager to join that frantic "rat race" again just so you can buy things you neither need, nor even have room to store? Haven't we moved beyond this?  Now that we have experienced a slower pace where there is time to build relationships and enjoy the beauty around us, do we want to give it up? Wouldn't it be great if some of our pandemic caused changes lingered making our "new normal" a much better life than it ever was before.