My sister is an inspiration.  I didn’t get permission to talk about this and I may now be off her Christmas list (assuming she reads my blog), but she’s a bad ass.  With the pandemic she is going to  work at Walmart everyday and stocking shelves, selling fabric and crafts to people stuck in the house – and she’s not alone.  The people who work in retail are there every day to take care of us.  They sling boxes and stock shelves so we can rush out the door with our treasures.  On top of that she’s had two back surgeries in the last year and I know standing on her feet is harder than it is for most.  But she’s not old enough for retirement yet and needs the income and insurance. I also know she has good friends there and she feels a loyalty to them, her employer, and the customers she serves.

She’s an inspiration, but like I said, she’s not alone.  I have had more than one little melt down since I got stuck at home. But let’s face it, I got to stay home, while my meager check came in, work on a novel, and cooked dinner. I’ve cleaned things that weren’t dirty for something to do.  But I didn’t have to go into work, check my temperature, wear a mask and gloves, and stand on my feet all day.

Please let me say, I have healthcare workers on a pedestal higher than anyone.  They face life and death everyday and then come home, hoping not to give the virus to their families.  It’s not the same as keeping stock on the shelves.  I am in awe of these people.  We can’t do enough for them and their families.

But it is always the case, we find out what we’re made of when the chips are down.  There’s been some beautiful artwork produced while artists are stuck inside.  I’ve seen more than one of  a nurse in scrubs confronting a huge Coronavirus molecule.  It was so fitting.  Humans are resilient.  That is why we’ve lasted so long.  When times are tough, we become tougher.  We have to if we are to survive – and I believe we will survive.  And maybe learn something. Mankind has always fought viruses.  The common cold is a virus and we’ve never been able to eradicate it.  Maybe this new virus will give scientists what they need to help get rid of viruses forever.  And then maybe Mother Nature will just come up with something worse.

But I know we’ll survive, and my hat is off to the workers on the frontlines.