What everyone is adapting to right now is larger than just us. It is not about me and my family.  It’s global, it’s about the world in which we live. 

My head spins when I think of all the things that will be altered during this time of distancing (graduations, weddings, funerals, travel, loss of jobs, loss of businesses…).  We will be forever changed by what we experience during this time.

As I lead our family through social distancing, I try to be sensitive to how people react to the change.  Many people will be going through a “grieving” process dealing with events that will not take place as planned.  I pray that I am able to be perceptive and helpful to those around me.    

In Ohio, I have to trust that our government is protecting us, not taking away our right to vote. I personally rejoiced when my 89-year-old father did not have to make the decision regarding his duty as a US citizen.  I fear that he would have done his duty as he has his entire life thus far and ventured out to cast his vote.  Many of us would have struggled with that same decision. 

Abiding by the government-instilled distancing rules with our current voting setup would have been difficult.   With time, I trust that our government will provide us with the opportunity and right to vote without the risk of compromising the lives of individuals.  

One of the things that makes it so difficult is that we don’t know who has been exposed to this virus.  Before the ban, I feel I made a few questionable decisions due to pressure from what was going on around me or not having all the information needed to make the best decision.    

I tell my children to do what is right and as a parent, I need to do the same.  In my gut, I know the right decision.  As a parent I want my children to enjoy as many opportunities as possible.  But I need to be an adult and just say, “No.” 

My kids and I have talked about the potential consequences of our actions.  I have asked my kids to think before they ask permission.  If they believe it will compromise the social distancing policy that is in place then please don’t ask.  

I don’t want to be put in a situation where my kids or my friends are going to be unhappy with me, but this is not about being popular it is about being safe.  It is larger than the safety of my family, it is for the safety of the world in which we live. I try to make all my decisions with the thought of how they might affect those at risk and the world at large.

It is a scary time for all.  I turn to my faith and reach out in prayer. 

I pray:

for the vanishing of the COVID-19 virus;

for all the individuals who are infected and their families;

for all those who are at high risk; 

for strength among communities;

for those who are working tirelessly to help us through this challenge;

for all those who need strength to get through the tough times;

that all nations are able to recover; and

for a reduction of fear and the strengthening of hope.

This is larger than us.  It is about distancing ourselves for the good of all mankind.  It is about giving up our milestones to be able to save healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.  This is larger than us, it is about living for something greater.

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