Clearly, articles and diagrams show us the advantage of staying at home, social distancing, and supporting those we live with at home, and those we love who are distanced from us, virtually. To stay at home for two-three months is a small matter on the scale of how long most lives are--we can do this.
We can also support the good, intelligent, forward-thinking, compassionate leaders, scientists, mathematicians, and medical professionals via advocacy to support what they need and following their directions. We must turn away from leaders like President Trump who seek to utilize the crisis for his own gain and fame, and instead turn towards well informed, intelligent, courageous, and caring professionals who face this crisis with the will to save as many lives as possible. These leaders understand that our humanity is what makes us successful in the long run, not a short-lived bump in the economy as Trump believes.
Each of us, in this crisis, has the opportunity to reach out in ways that utilize our skills and abilities. For teachers, we can work with our colleagues to support the children and families we work for each and every day. As parents, we can encourage our children to do their best on at-home school assignments, understand the problem in developmentally appropriate ways, be creative, have some fun, and develop our collective commitment and sense of family. Neighbors can safeguard one another by respecting social distancing rules, and encouraging and helping one another in ways possible.
We all have to look for the silver linings in this crisis and maximize those whatever they may be and however small they may be. As someone reminded me this morning, looking for the "small graces" is a positive focus. Onward.