A Global New Normal...

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​Overall, the global pandemic, COVID 19 has had a devastating impact on our nation. These past months of social distancing, the economy still partially shut down, and following unemployment, furloughs, and financial losses have resulted in accelerated stress levels, depression, domestic violence, substance abuse, and suicides. The schools, universities, parks, gyms, beaches, bars, movie theaters, and sit-in restaurants are in  some states slowly opening up again. Some states still restrict groups of more than 10 getting together. Many churches, large and small, are still holding services online using technical applications like Facebook, Skype, or Zoom. A couple of state governors have been accused of going overboard even violating first and second amendment rights. All these new rules and restrictions are wearing hard on the free-loving, independent American spirit, and in protest, there have been many peaceful demonstrations nation wide.

​The hardest hit groups regarding social distancing are seniors at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Families were only able to see their loved ones through a closed window, if at all. Some residents are bedridden and haven’t had any contact with family members for many weeks. Some have even passed away without the comfort of their loved ones by their bedside.

We are all in this together, and it is harder on some more than on others. Let’s remember that a little kindness, compassion and even just smiling at a stranger can lift a person’s spirit! The homeless are suffering more too, many “falling between the cracks.” $5 MacDonald's, Wendy's, or Burger King's gift cards are handy to give out, but there are lots of other ways to show unexpected acts of kindness.