“Why are you weeping?” asked the Grill-Meister yesterday afternoon, as we were both on our computers finishing up our work.
I wasn’t sad, but I was certainly moved. The tears were the kind that spring from that instant lump in the throat and acute yank on the heartstrings when people come together to do something positive and the collective spirit becomes a powerful force for good. The we-are-all-connected / aren’t humans wonderful / we can do anything if we join together kind of tears.
I had just read an entry my colleague in the UK had posted the day before in the Social Connections section of our shared site:
“I just went outside at 8 p.m…. everyone was standing in their gardens clapping and cheering!”
Fifteen minutes later, he posted a follow-up:
“Turns out it was ‘Clap for Our Carers’ to show our support for the National Health System.”
Then he added this video. Watch it, and you’ll know why I was weeping.
People all across the UK showed their gratitude for the sacrifices of those in the National Health Care System who are on the front line of the crisis – and they were doing it together, but from a safe distance.
The collective spirit created a powerful force for good.
My Scottish friend and colleague had been heads-down, laser-focused on working and helping his kids with their school work, and had missed the announcements about the Clap for Our Carers virtual event. But he and his family will join in this beautiful outpouring of gratitude next week. This collective appreciation for medical workers has been extended to include everyone who is working to keep things afloat, like grocery store workers, and will happen every week until the UK is on the other side of this COVID-19 war.
There are lots more stories like this one, such as the related article my colleague sent to me this morning: Coronavirus UK: Whole Street Applauds Hampshire Paramedic.
There’s more good in the world than bad, my friends. And to all you carers out there, we’re clapping. We’re grateful for your work and your sacrifices, and praying that you will be safe from harm.
Stay home, stay safe, stay sane and stay in touch. I’d love to hear your stories.
Stay together whilst staying apart. Showing your heart felt appreciation. Share with your loved one by staying away in body but not in mind.
Stay safe everyone.
I love that, Chris: “stay together whilst staying apart.” Thanks for sharing the Clap for Our Carers story with me and have a great weekend.
This is such an awesome sight. 🥰🥰 #allthefeels
Yes, MamaRedFox, yes, indeed.
It is one of those wholly unique, troubling events in our lives. And our emotions come at times unexpectedly. Like a big wheel that spins and you stop it. But where it lands nobody knows. Our feelings are out in the open, like our skin. And we don’t know how we are “supposed” to feel….it just washes over you, the sights and sounds, the statistics, the anger, and fear and free-floating anxiety. It is a tsunami of grief, then it’s “Meh, we’re social distancing and in another 3 weeks, we’ll be getting normal again…but we’ll be glad we overreacted, just like the hurricane predictions.”
I cried too when I watched Hoda Kotb on the Today show start choking up. Hoda’s alma mater and mine are the same. And then she worked as a reporter for a TV station in NOLA before moving to NYC (where many of my fam live). She was talking to Drew Brees bout his $5 million donation to the “people of NOLA, to feed them, pay for whatever.” He resurrected us post Katrina with a Super Bowl, and he just is a good man. As soon as I saw her eyes welling up, mine did too…for NOLA, for my sister and family in NYC, for the suburbs I grew up in, for my 2 friends with Covid-19, both have mild cases, for the world’s losses, so many dying very alone and frightened.
This is my 4th “new normal” in 20 years (but who is counting?). Bush and 9/11 in 2001, Katrina 2005 (and hubby with terminal cancer, loss of 2 bros and my Dad tossed in), BP Disaster 2010 (coming up on 10th anni) and Corona…..I’m tired and scared for my loved ones. Very very enraged t the govt handling nationally and Mississippi’s.
Many will die before it is over, and DC will blame everyone but the guilty. I light candles in my darkened window nightly for those in darkness or lost or wanting to not fight anymore. For our RNs, MDs, orderlies, RTs, EMTs, for the ill and old and weak and alone. For the brave and fearful, the righteous, the helpers and even the knuckleheads I see crowding around the doors of Walmart \…..maybe them most of all.
Peace, health and may your hands and minds stay busy AND serene.
Maggie, your words here are so profound. I love that anyone reading this post will have the opportunity to read your story of the “4th New Normal”. Your comments make this post whole and give it perspective. I’ve been saying that its unlike anything I’ve ever experienced…but the way you have framed it really helps me to internalize what it must be like to be from this area and have experienced Katrina and the oil spill.
I join you in the candle-lighting and truly appreciate your sentiments: “for those in darkness or lost or wanting to not fight anymore. For our RNs, MDs, orderlies, RTs, EMTs, for the ill and old and weak and alone. For the brave and fearful, the righteous, the helpers and even the knuckleheads I see crowding around the doors of Walmart \…..maybe them most of all.”