One of the biggest impacts of the virus has been the loss of jobs. On the other end of the spectrum the demands of the virus culture has created jobs. Many businesses that could remain open found ways to reinvent themselves and what they do. Grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery drivers and medical professionals are some of the positions that saw a spike in demand. The web site Work in Texas has almost half a million jobs listed. A restaurant cook called into a radio call-in show stating that he was working more than ever. A local car dealership had to hire extra staff to meet demand. A family member has been stretched to the limit working at the distribution center for a large retail company. While my heart breaks for those who have lost their jobs I am thankful for those that were able to keep their jobs and for the new opportunities that arose.
I believe that I may speak for many in society when I say that I/we have become so much more aware of and thankful for people and positions we often take for granted. I must confess it has been humbling and embarrassing to admit I often overlook those that are not in the spotlight. My resolve moving forward is to take time to acknowledge and appreciate everyone around me.
As a teacher I have become familiar with some new teaching platforms while becoming more proficient at ones I was already using. The population as a whole now knows how to have online meetings and post goofy videos to social media.
Freedom is a precious commodity. I have become increasingly grateful for the freedoms we have as Americans. I missed the freedom of getting out of the house to manage daily activities. I am thankful for the freedom we have/had in the US in comparison to some rather strict quarantine rules in other countries.
I have enjoyed the increased quiet due to limited traffic noise, almost no air travel (we live close an airport) and streets filled with walkers rather than cars. As a family we have enjoyed the lower levels of stress and busyness of life. Less pollution has lead to cleaner air and clearer skies. National parks are reporting healthy wildlife numbers due to the lack of visitors.
The greatest rays of sunshine come from everyone working together.
- Neighbors have been helping the elderly and homebound with grocery shopping.
- Telecommunication companies offered free and/or low cost Internet.
- Grace period on rent, loans, utility bills.
- Businesses, pro athletes and celebrities funded food drives, provided shelter, provided laptops and other school supplies.
- Online educational platforms have been made free to use and/or added features.
- Neighbors patronized local restaurants.
- A local restaurant received a $1000 tip on a $19 order from a long time patron.
- A pillow company made masks.
- Distilleries produced sanitization products.
- Front line workers received free meals.
- Schools and churches distributed meals and masks.
- A national grocery chain paid an extra $2 an hour to "crisis workers."
- The federal tax deadline was moved from April to July.
- The Texas governor made it easier for retired health care workers to return to work to aid in the increasing demand.
- People followed quarantine rules.
- One of our neighbors set out water and treats for dogs along with a lovely menu board.
- A local church paid off the medical debt of almost 400 veterans, collected 16 tons of food and managed a 700% increase in demand at a local food pantry.
- Families found ways to keep themselves entertained by going on walks, sidewalk chalk drawings, family game night, participating in fun online "challenges," etc.
- Everyone has been working together; individuals, businesses and even government.
I see sunshine on a cloudy day.
