STREET SMART: A Positive Reaction

The only thing we have read about or watched in the news for the last month or so has been about the coronavirus. I understand that it’s the media’s job to keep us informed, but it seems that none of what we read or watch is very positive or uplifting. So, I decided to do a little digging, trying to find something upbeat to talk about. It turns out that, despite what we might think, there are some pretty positive things coming out of all the problems. People across the nation are getting really creative in the ways they are dealing with the forced isolation and/or helping others. The stories are out there, but you have to actively hunt for them.

I saw one news clip about a lady in Georgia who is a singer in her church choir. This lady got the idea to have a friend drive her around her neighborhood while she stood up through the sunroof of her car and sang to her neighbors. From the news clip, it was clear that the lady was having a wonderful time and her neighbors were appreciating her serenade.

I saw another clip where a woman had trained her dog (a big happy Golden Retriever) to deliver bags of groceries to people’s doors. This lady was delivering groceries to people who are “shut ins.” She would stop in front of a person’s home and have her dog carry a bag to the front door. It was pretty heartening to see the people’s response when this big happy dog trotted to their door.

My daughter is a social media addict. She told me she’s read dozens of posts from parents explaining how they’re using the time to enjoy their children. She’s told me about games of hide and seek, backyard picnics, family movie time, etc., that can only have a positive impact on the kids. Definitely an effective use of forced time away from work! I read that the Army Corps of Engineers was able to transform the 22 million square foot Javits Center in New York into a 1,000-bed hospital in four days! If there’s a better example of government entities (federal and local) working well together for the good of our nation, I haven’t read about it.

I’ve also read several different articles about people who are using the isolation time to improve themselves in a variety of ways. For example, many people are using the time to exercise more. Don’t like to exercise? People are using the time to take online courses in a subject that has always interested them. Others are just enjoying the time by reading and relaxing. One of my family members is using the time away from work (and the included stress) to quit smoking. I’m praying for her success.

Locally there are several examples. One I heard about just today: Darrel “Torgy” and Penny Torgrimson have challenged Elks members to match their monetary donation to the lodge. Money donated to the Elks lodge ultimately finds its way back to the community in the form of charitable donations, grants, and scholarships. By issuing the “challenge” the Torgrimsons know they’ll generate competition that will translate into a positive impact for the Thompson Falls community. Knowing our local Elks membership, I expect a tremendous response to the challenge.

I think the bottom line is that the people who seem to be standing up well to this forced isolation are the ones who are making the time work for themselves as well as their family, friends and neighbors. Researching this week’s topic made me think about how our country was after 9/11. Younger readers won’t remember the sense of unity Americans shared after that tragedy. Petty differences were forgotten… replaced by a sense of community. Politics took a backseat to restoring our nation. Although it’s sad that it takes a catastrophe to bring us all so close together, it’s also encouraging to see Americans stand united when we have a common enemy. Martin Luther King famously stated, “We didn’t all get here in the same boat, but we’re sure in the same one together now.” Reverend King wasn’t talking about a pandemic at the time, but his message is valid!

Bottom line… we will get through this pandemic and, I believe, we will be a stronger nation because of it. All of the puzzle pieces are falling into place. It’s taking much longer than any of us would hope, but it is coming together. Until it’s over; Stay positive. Follow the rules. Stay in touch with family and friends. If you find out about someone needing help, see what you can do. If you can’t provide the help, reach out to others who can. Call around. Get on social media and share information. Working together to help one another, while still maintaining the “social distancing” rule, is something we can all do with a little creative thinking.

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].