What I Learned (So Far) in This Pandemic, What I'm Scared Of and My Message To the World

I learned that this COVID-19 pandemic impacts everyone. Doesn’t matter size, shape, color or what part of the world you are from. This public health issue impacts everyone.

I also learned that my peers in healthcare have stepped up selflessly knowing the risks once they step foot into hospitals and ICUs. We nurses took the oath and understand the risks inherent to this profession.

I am scared, however. I am scared that the systems where frontliners and essential workers show up to work day in and out are not equipped to handle this massive pandemic. Systems that provide critical services are not built to handle what this public health emergency demands.

I am scared that the burdens brought forth from COVID-19 have impacted families, wiped out businesses and have added more burden to the already vulnerable communities. The burdens will linger for years to come.

I am scared of the trauma that has entered the skin of humanity. I am scared that the trauma will remain if it’s not dealt with someway somehow.

I have talked to many families since the initial orders from our Governor to shelter in place. The common denominator I have heard is fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of where and when they will get their next paycheck or meals to feed their families. Fear of getting the virus and then passing it on to loved ones.

Now that we are in our 30-something days of quarantine, I have heard a teeny tiny shift in the language. Fear still wraps the words but the conversations now include, “I can’t wait to go back to work” “I can’t wait to go back to school” “I can’t wait to go back to my place of worship” “I can’t wait to get back in the gym” and so forth. They can’t wait.

There’s something to look forward to. There is a sense of hope for the future when it gets here.

So what is my message to the world?

Stay hopeful. 

Say a prayer for those suffering.

Help out when you can.

Call a friend or family member.

Listen to what they are saying. Don’t judge. Don’t interrupt. Just listen.

Allow them to release the thoughts out to you and into the universe.

What I know about the human spirit is that we know what we need and want. We know the answers to our problems.

When we release what is first and foremost on our thoughts, often times enveloped by fear, the mind will search, get the answers and find the way.

Stay well. Stay healthy. Stay safe.

We are all in this together.