 |
"Coronavirus children" by https://www.vperemen.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0 |
My family and I have been among the fortunate during these
nineteen months of the coronavirus and emerging variants, a pandemic with a
death toll now exceeding that of the Spanish Flu despite the easy availability
of multiple, free, effective vaccines. I look out my front window to the fenced
yard, imagining a small fortress, protection against the disease and mayhem of our
world. Am I choosing ignorance, denying the realities of this horrible pandemic,
of devastating global warming, of homelessness, of warfare driven by greed and
manipulated by religion? Or, am I simply struggling for sanity?
We live behind a vine-laden fence in relative ease, privileged
not only by good health, food on our table, and a solid roof overhead, but also
by family. Becoming a grandmother and caring for my pandemic-born grandson has
been a source of pure pleasure during these dreadful times. Yet, my words flounder
as my anger festers.
I began a post a while back announcing two upcoming in-person
readings. Both events were originally scheduled for early 2020. Both were
events where I looked forward to sharing from my latest memoir, The
Ex-Mexican Wives Club, published in late 2019. Both events were cancelled
with the outbreak of COVID. So I was pleased, joyous actually, to be invited to
participate in these events when they were re-scheduled for the second week of
September 2021. Then the Delta variant hit and both events were once again
cancelled. Cancelling made sense, it was the right thing to do. Still, I felt the
dark tentacles of anger, fear, and hopelessness tighten around me. I do not
believe I am alone with these feelings.
My anger builds as far too many put self before community in
empty arguments favoring personal freedom. With children dying, vaccinated
adults getting sick, hospitals overflowing, schools and businesses shutting
down once again, we must put the well-being of local communities, our country and
the world above all else. As I hold my young grandson in my arms, I cannot
comprehend putting selfish interpretations of personal freedom above the life
of any child.
We have a medical solution. Deaths and variants rest in the
hands of anti-vaccers.
4 comments:
indeed you are not alone with the feelings of anger and frustration Arleen. There are many who feel just as you do. Great article.
Well said, Arleen. Thank you!
Agreed, you are not alone. What do we do with these feelings? Excellent piece.
Amen!!
Post a Comment