March, the first month of Spring! There is something about the start of this month that shepherds in the spirit for renewal to me. Maybe it’s the daffodils pushing through the earth to take a sneak peek at daylight in pondering whether or not the time has come to rise after a winter of dormancy or maybe it’s the earth scent of a freshly mowed lawn caught by an overachiever neighbor. Bit by bit, minute by minute, the days are growing longer. These hints of change may be slight yet they sure are significant to me as God knows this is a year when we can all use a little change.
“Change is a constant in life.” I don’t know who said this but certainly someone must have uttered this oxymoron at some point. If not, you heard it here first and I require no attribution for use. Anyway, back to March 2021. This month marks one year from the time the we began to experience the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time last year, I had no idea as to the influence COVID-19 would have on the lives of so many.
One year ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. 5 reported COVID deaths in the US occurred on that date and our world started to change as death rates began to rise (peaking at an astronomically sad 5,463 COVID-19 deaths reported on February 12th), sports leagues shut down later to return without spectators, schools closed later to reopen with at home learning, businesses shut down and partially reopened, jobs were lost, the economy took a dive, and worst of all, the virus exacted and continues to exact a terrible death toll that has exceeded 530,000 mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters, brothers and friends. It goes without saying that the death toll is by far the most tragic. Each and every one of these lives matters.
A very distant second to the lives lost are the economic impacts. Mandatory closures, partial re-openings, permanent closures, etc. In Washington, March 17, 2020 marked the first day of what ended up being an almost 3-month mandated closure for many businesses followed by what is still a partial reopening. On March 23rd, a state mandated stay at home order was issued. No income, business and personal bills to pay, the fear of a virus about which little was known coupled with mounting sickness and death here and abroad was a hand that at times was hard to bear. When schools closed, I never imagined that a year later l would still be home-schooling my 2 children! For a year, it has been nearly impossible for an hour to pass without some thought of COVID-19 entering your mind.
And as if reality is not enough, think about all the pandemic movies that are out there. To name a few:
Contagion – Matt Damon. Very realistic to what is happening today. The virus in Contagion initially starts from a bat! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contagion_(2011_film)
Outbreak – Dustin Hoffman. About the spread of an Ebola-like virus in a small town; fast paced with high action. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outbreak_(film)
The Crazies – Timothy Olyphant. Military plane crashes in the town's river and contaminates the water supply causing violent behavior in people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crazies_(2010_film)
I am Legend – Will Smith. A scientist finds himself the lone survivor of an apocalyptic mutant virus outbreak fighting bloodthirsty people while seeking a cure. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_Legend_(film)
Zombieland - Woody Harrelson. Survivors band together against a zombie apocalypse. Great for comic relief. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombieland
I became curious as to how many films about viral outbreaks have been created. While I could not find a listed number, I was able to find a site that listed 194 such films. Unlike COVID-19, they generally are over in 2 hours or less. Using an average of 90 minutes per movie, that is 291 hours of potential binge material! No thank-you!
Wash your hands, wear a mask, social distance became daily marching orders while sanitizer and toilet paper became the bounty behind many treasure hunts. Henceforth, I will always keep at least an 8 pack of “tp” in the closet. Side note – during desperate times I know of at least one person who liberated a roll from a public bathroom when the store was out and I bet there are others out there. You know who you are!
I know I am not alone when I say the obstacles over the past year were not easy. There were numerous uncertainties and pressures with no blueprint on how to navigate through it. At one point I found myself growing a bit sour. I knew I needed to redirect my focus and change my mindset. Instead of feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I realized that I should be grateful to have my family’s health as well as a business to stress about! I personally know of others who have not been as fortunate.
Working through initial and ongoing obstacles both at home and professionally have shown me how resilient we are. I have learned to appreciate the manner in which my team has stood tall and helped us become even stronger. I also appreciate the wonderful Guests who supported and continue to support us. Just like the daffodils peeking out for that first glimpse of daylight, with perseverance there is warmth and beauty to be found.
Be kind, be safe
The Intaglio Salon
Comments