By Brenda Cannon Henley
Almost every writer I follow has expressed thoughts on COVID-19 and whether or not they agree or disagree with following strictly the guidelines from government officials and the medical community. I will only say here that unless you have experienced a family member, or someone you love dearly, being diagnosed and treated for this illness, wisdom would indicate not being so bold in your statements. Every person that has lost their life is a family member to someone.

One woman here in my community continually encouraged others to get out, go on with life, break rules, gather, party, and gave non-professional advice about how this illness was no worse than the flu. Incorrect numbers were quoted at random.

She was a sounding horn for disobedience and rebellion – Until her own daughter in law was diagnosed with a severe case of COVID-19. She was rushed to a hospital ICU by ambulance with no family member allowed to accompany her and she was frightened because she knew she was very sick.

The son called his mom in tears saying, “I may never see Beverly again. They won’t let me come to the hospital.” The family gathered and waited anxiously for the one telephone call per day from a very tired nurse stating the daughter in law’s condition. For four days, the normally healthy woman’s body was ravaged with high fever and the news was not good. The husband grieved and prayed and his mom grew quieter with each passing day. No longer were posts on social media excessive, arrogant, or filled with advice.

The amazing part of this event was that extended family, church family, neighbors, business associates, friends from education circles, and absolute strangers rallied to pray for Beverly. The social media fires were flamed and prayer chains started across America and around the world. Food was cooked, packaged, and put on the doorsteps of Beverly and Jim’s home. His grass was cut and shrubs trimmed. No one seemed to hold ill will toward the loud, aggressive, and outspoken mother in law and her opinionated self.

Food being distributed by volunteers from a huge motor coach

Beverly was blessed to recover and after several more days in the hospital, Jim was allowed to come for her. Her story ended well, but many have not. I would suggest we not appear disrespectful to those families.

My point is that I have personally seen people be very nice to complete strangers, offer help when needed, share things with those that needed them more than they did. Rolls of the valuable toilet tissue and paper towels by the huge packages were mysteriously left on porches and doorsteps. Churches organized and conducted food drives, utilizing small numbers of volunteers, to help feed unemployed parents. Some businesses have gone the extra mile to continue a portion of salaries. Gift cards have been bought and quietly distributed to those in need.

Food collected and organized by volunteers for unemployed families.

Our medical community, first responders, law enforcement personnel, and the National Guard members have worked to keep us safe. Nursing homes, care centers, and hospital deserve a huge debt of pure gratitude.

Whether you have observed it or not, people are helping each other during this crisis, and for many, a sense of purpose and gratitude has been found. Families have had to learn to be together and find creative ways of teaching and entertaining each other. People seem to be less selfish and more interested in the welfare of other people.

Restaurant owners and delivery services have stepped up their respective games, neighbors are taking food to those in quarantine, and landlords are not evicting. I am told some major utility companies are letting cut offs wane until this crisis has lessened. Many folks are watching and becoming involved in online and televised church services. Students are being housed by property owners when the universities were suddenly closed.

Folks have learned to use social media, video chats, Zoom, and other means of communication in many positive ways. Youngsters and teens are teaching dad and mom and grandparents how to be tech savvy.

My prayer is that when the COVID-19 becomes old news, the good things we have learned and implemented will still be front and center.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781- 8788, or
[email protected]

[April-27-2020]