It’s completely understandable to be stressed out by the pandemic. After all, this new strain of coronavirus is affecting every aspect of society. Many people are becoming sick, some critically so. Others are worried about contracting the virus or passing it on to vulnerable populations.
Today, I’d like to share my gratitude for some of the people whose words and actions are helping us through this difficult time. Thank you to:
First responders, who continue to fight fires, keep the peace, ensure public safety and provide help during such a trying time.
Doctors, nurses and medical personnel, who are working tirelessly to care for the sick and dying. You are literally putting your lives on the line and that sacrifice is appreciated.
Scientists and researchers, who are studying the causes, spread, identification and treatment of the virus, and attempting to find ways to mitigate its effects.
Educators, who are adapting at lightning speed to a completely new form of teaching in order to provide an education to millions of children and adults.
Utilities and cities, for keeping the electricity on, the water clean, the trash removed and the internet running, and for agreeing to continue providing service, even when people cannot afford it.
Thousands of companies in a wide variety of fields, that are producing much-needed goods and supplies while also helping their employees deal with this difficult situation.
Distribution center staff, pilots and truck drivers, for organizing and transporting these goods around the country.
Local businesses, for figuring out novel ways to provide goods and services to the community.
Postal workers and delivery drivers, for serving as a crucial lifeline to people who are self-isolated, quarantined, disabled, elderly and otherwise home-bound.
Grocery stores and pharmacies, for handling an insane influx of customers, many of whom are panicked and not thinking rationally.
Senior center workers and home caregivers — your efforts in helping the most vulnerable in our society are too often overlooked.
Public transit workers, gas station attendants, convenience store clerks, baristas and restaurant staff, for helping all the folks who can’t work from home stay mobile, fed and caffeinated.
The staff and volunteers who work in zoos and animal shelters, for providing food, water, shelter and care to the creatures that live there.
Cleaning specialists, facilities staff and public works crews, for sanitizing public spaces.
Artists, comedians, actors, musicians and writers whose talent lifts our spirits and free our minds.
Neighbors and volunteers, who are assisting others when they can and self-isolating when they must.
My colleagues in the media, who are covering every aspect of this pandemic in order to provide useful and accurate information to a worried public. Please remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint, so try to take a break and get some rest every once in a while.
Monty Don, the cast and crew of “Love Your Garden,” “Big Dreams, Small Spaces” and “Gardeners’ World,” as well as the gardening experts on YouTube, for giving me the tools I need to learn a new skill and for providing me with a reason to look forward to the future.
Everyone at America’s Test Kitchen and “The Great British Baking Show,” for cooking/baking help and inspiration.
My husband, family, friends and cats, for keeping me sane.
The late Fred Rogers, for this sage advice.
