*Boats in a storm*
We are all navigating a storm, but not in the same boat
The waves may capsize yours while gently rocking mine
Or vice versa
For some, quarantine is a moment of reflection, of re-connection. Easy, in flip flops, with a glass of whiskey in hand
For others, this is a desperate crisis
Some experience it as loneliness and isolation
Others a time of reconnection with family and friends
Some lament the absence of a brand they love
Others worry about bread for the weekend, or if the noodles will last a few more days
Some work in their "home office"
Others have lost their homes and offices
We criticize those who break the quarantine
But some have no choice, they have to pay the bills.
Others choose to escape. To their country homes or favorite vacation destinations
Some have experienced the virus, some have already lost someone from it, some are not sure their loved ones are going to make it
And yet there are some who don't even believe this is a big deal
Many are getting vaccinated. Some have faith in God and miracles. Others lack faith in science
Some think the storm is passing, others think the worst is yet to come
So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are in the same storm. How we perceive it depends on the boat we are on
And when the storm passes, each of us will emerge, in our own way. Some stronger, some unscathed, some scarred, some on a stretcher, and some will not make it.
It is very important to see beyond our own experience
See beyond our politics, beyond religion, beyond race, beyond the nose on our faces
Do not underestimate the pain of others even if we do not feel it ourselves
Do not judge the good life of one nor condemn the choices of the other
Let us not judge the one who lacks, nor the one with possessions
We are all simply on different boats
Let’s navigate our routes with respect, empathy and responsibility
--Author unknown
