“Eternal vigilance is the price of eternal development.” ~Gordon B. Hinckley
I am out of quarantine.
I’ve spent two weeks in self-isolation, the current pandemic protocol upon entering Canada, and one which they enforce.
During that fourteen day stretch, I received four emails from the government, reminding me of the importance of the protocols.
Five days in, I got a call from a very nice Federal employee following up. He asked me a number of questions to ensure I was staying inside and away from others.
I found each of these communications comforting, reassuring: the government at work ensuring the safety of its residents.
As I watch the number of COVID cases skyrocket in the U.S. I can’t help but wonder why the same protocols aren’t in place.
Because they work: they slow the spread, reduce the burden on our health care system and save lives.
“Expectations are like fine pottery. The harder you hold them, the more likely they are to crack.” ― Brandon Sanderson
It’s mid-November. I hoped to return to my son’s home for Christmas; the current case trajectory is dimming that joyful anticipation.
I’m not alone. All over the U.S.—and many other countries—people are rethinking their holiday plans, forsaking family gatherings, traditions and visits with friends.
We were warned.
We became complacent.
It’s time for vigilance.
It’s time for humanity to unite in a common goal: to contain—and tame—this invisible COVID contagion.
So that we can return to family gatherings and times of tradition.
So that we can reclaim some calm.
So that we can look forward to the future with renewed anticipation instead of recycled despair.
Because we can: Humanity can achieve anything when united in a common endeavour.
Vigilance.
Resilience.
Perseverance.
The stuff of which we are made.
Just depends on how badly we want to meet this—or any—goal.
And how well we learn to develop a long-term focus.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” ~Desmond Tutu
