The Milk of Human Kindness

I just finished reading John Steinbeck’s masterpiece, The Grapes of Wrath. An astounding story. Told from an omniscient point of view, the reader follows the Joad family from Oklahoma, where they lost their farm, to the promising orchards of California. It’s the Great Depression, when thousands hit the road in search of work and a place to lay their head. The tale is grim, but it has so much heart. It speaks to family and the kindness of those who have little and yet are still willing to share with those who have even less.

It’s an interesting story to read during these times, when we’re all afraid of what lies ahead.

Speaking of Fear

And speaking of fear, I checked my twitter feed yesterday, and stumbled upon a veteran reporter asking the president of the USA what he might want to say to Americans who are scared. Instead of offering reassuring words and hope, President Trump chewed out the reporter, accusing him of sensationalism. I’m sorry for my American neighbours that their president is tone deaf.

Fortunately, there are American governors, like Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York and Governor Gavin Newsom of California who get it and besides working hard to get the medical necessities to the staff who need it, they encourage kindness and patience at this time. In Canada, we’re lucky to have Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who gives us daily reports, reassurance and hope, and promises financial help to those who need it. And in our province of British Columbia, Premier John Horgan and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provide a voice of reason and calm.

We’re in this Together

This pandemic is a global problem. Though we live in different countries, the novel coronavirus has united us all in fear, grief, and hope. Every day we’re bombarded by stories grimmer than the last one. Many of us are now in self-imposed social isolation for fear of getting sick or infecting those we love. That means no family gatherings, no outings with friends, no concerts, and no group recreational activities in gyms or community centers.

And yet I’m struck by the fact there are millions who, despite the fear, are spreading the milk of human kindness. They are generous and considerate. They’re showing these traits through selfless acts, such as calling on seniors to make sure they’re okay. Countless numbers are risking their lives every day – working in hospitals, clinics, grocery stores, pharmacies, and in other places of essential service. I’m grateful for all of them.

Danger and Opportunity

Granddaughter Chloe shared a quote on instagram, “It’s like we’ve all been sent to our rooms to think about what we’ve done.” That certainly is one way of looking at it. For example, the canals in Venice are clear for the first time. Fish and dolphins are coming back. It’s nature’s response to the stoppage of all those gondolas and other water craft.

Our planet has been sick a long time. Though with all the lives lost and economies in tatters, it’s a big price to pay for a cleaner and healthier world. Since the marches didn’t work, is this our wake-up call?

When I was a therapist, I used to say, the Chinese symbols for crisis are danger and opportunity. There’s some debate about this, but I’m hoping there’s a silver lining in these hard times. Because of forced isolation, we now have more time to reflect, to consider how we’ve been living and what’s of most value to us.

Time to be Mindful

Yesterday, Robert and I went for a walk with grandson, Michael. We chose a wide trail in Beaver Lodge Lands that gave us room to be 2 meters apart on our walk. It was weird not being able to hug my grandson.

Today, I called a few friends, some I haven’t talked to in a while. That felt good.

I hope to continue to find balance by keeping myself informed, writing my sequel, watching some silly TV just to escape, reading some good books, going for walks, working in my garden, playing my violin and piano (badly 😊)and reaching out to those who live alone.

I’m hopeful that, together in this beautiful world, we’ll come out of this and be more grateful and loving than we’ve been before. Take care of yourselves and your families.

How are you doing? What are you doing to get through these times? Sending you love and light.