COVID 19, The Second Devastating Wave: Boats In A Storm

We are all navigating a storm, but not in the same boat. The waves may capsize yours while gently rocking mine or vice versa. For some, quarantine is a moment of reflection, of re-connection. Easy, in flip flops, with a glass of whiskey in hand. For others, this is a desperate crisis. Some experience it as loneliness and isolation.

Others a time of reconnection with family and friends. Some lament the absence of a brand they love, others worry about bread for the weekend, or if the noodles will last a few more days. Some work in their "home office", others have lost their homes and offices.

We criticise those who break the quarantine. But some have no choice, they have to pay the bills. Others choose to escape. To their country homes or favourite vacation destinations, some have experienced the virus, some have already lost someone from it, some are not sure their loved ones are going to make it.

And yet there are some who don't even believe this is a big deal. Many are getting vaccinated. Some have faith in God and miracles. Others lack faith in science. Some think the storm is passing, others think the worst is yet to come. So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are in the same storm. How we perceive it depends on the boat we are on.

And when the storm passes, each of us will emerge, in our own way. Some stronger, some unscathed, some scarred, some on a stretcher, and some will not make it. It is very important to see beyond our own experience. See beyond our politics, beyond religion, beyond race, beyond the nose on our faces. Do not underestimate the pain of others even if we do not feel it ourselves.

Do not judge the good life of one nor condemn the choices of the other. Let us not judge the one who lacks, nor the one with possessions. We are all simply on different boats. Let’s navigate our routes with respect, empathy and responsibility.

--Author Unknown