COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

By

Gerry Niskern

I have just one thing to say to everyone, the mantra that was intoned by my mother at least once every day when I was growing up. “Count your blessings, young lady.”

Yes , we are in the middle of a Pandemic. Yes, we have been asked to ‘Shelter inside’. And yes, it is scary. I know it can be boring. I got so frustrated being home that I broke into a box of Girl Scout Thin Mints that I was saving for my turn for refreshments at Bunco.

Those in their 80’s or even older might remember the whole country being on food rations during WWII. You needed a ration coupon to buy butter, meat, sugar or even a pair of shoes. Everything was sent to be used by the Armed Forces. Most all families were so worried about their family members fighting overseas that the few hardships of every day living was not important.

Now, everyone is being asked to Please stay home and only go out for work, Doctors App (and those are being cancelled mostly) and Groceries. People are trying to stay six feet apart when they are out. They are not to gather in groups of ten or more. Less is much better or not at all. I’m no covering everything here, but you know the drill.

There is just one problem. Everyone is not complying, especially the Seniors across our country. Yes,  The Seniors! The very people who are the most vulnerable. Their attitude is “If it’s my time to go, it’s my time.” Wrong. It’s not about you! The Sheltering request is to keep the surge of the sick down as much as possible, so the hospitals don’t get overwhelmed.

It is not much to ask everyone to do for your community. There is anything you want on TV. There is the Internet and your phone for communication. There are video games and online games too. And don’t forget books.

We can wait this out. And there is another activity you can do while Social Distancing. You can count your blessings.

I’m counting mine!