Boats in a storm.

 *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