WHAT AND WHO I AM THANKFUL FOR
Reflecting on “Where we are one year later,” I thought it appropriate to share that the Scripps corporate command center for COVID-19 just passed its 375th day of operations, so it’s been a year and then some since COVID-19 came to dominate all we do. We recognized our one-year anniversary with no fanfare nor celebration, but with reflections on the challenges and teamwork that got us through the past year.
Like the rest of us in the command center, my first thoughts of the past year were of the victims of this terrible pandemic — more than 536,000 deaths in the United States and 2.6 million deaths worldwide and more than 120.4 million infected. The toll on the victims and their families, along with those suffering economically, cannot be overstated. But at the same time, as we mark a year since the pandemic really started taking hold, I feel thankful and I also want to look forward. There is much to be grateful for. There is the bright light in the distance that we are all working toward. As we mark this anniversary, here is what and who I am thankful for.
Health care workers who came to work each day despite great personal fear and sacrifice. I’ve been a first responder professionally and as a volunteer. I’ve always been proud I was part of a group of people who always run in when others run away. Over the past year, not only did doctors, nurses, technicians and support teams including food service workers, environmental services staff, engineers and others run in to care for COVID-19 patients once — they did it every day. They did so even if they were scared because they were bound by their compassion and duty to their mission. Some paid the ultimate price.
Scientists who developed vaccines to help us move toward the herd immunity that will lead us to our new normal. Vaccines usually take decades of scientific development and clinical trials before they can be brought to the public, but scientists developed vaccines using both new and old technologies in a matter of months, moving quickly into clinical trials. As of now, in the United States, we have three vaccines approved for use — two developed with brand new technologies and one using traditional vaccine technology. And the effectiveness of the vaccines approach 95 percent. This is a magnificent scientific achievement.
Those who have sacrificed for others this past year and even now by wearing proper masks the correct way, social distancing and washing hands. They did not listen to those who do not want to pay attention to science and were selfish, thinking more about themselves and their so-called personal freedoms than taking precautions to help other, more vulnerable members of our society.
First responders, especially the firefighter EMTs and paramedics who put themselves in harm’s way and sometimes had to wait considerable time to find hospitals with open emergency departments and available beds. Some of these people also paid the ultimate price.
Essential workers like grocery store employees, who, despite risk to themselves, kept our food stores open and stocked with the products we needed.
People who learned to work from home using new technologies to keep critical parts of our economy going. And those who own businesses but shut them down to keep people well, get the infection and death rate down to where it is today, and give us time to develop and administer vaccinations — all at great personal sacrifice to themselves.
Teachers who kept teaching but in new and creative ways. Parents who took much of the education responsibility on themselves.
Volunteers who staffed food distribution centers and other critical support roles to help their communities.
Restaurants and companies that donated their food and critical products, including personal protective equipment, to hospitals and others that were in desperate need during the early part of the pandemic.
Volunteers and staff at the COVID-19 vaccination centers who are bringing hope to each person receiving a vaccination.
Those who are waiting their turn respectfully to receive a vaccine so others at higher risk or in an essential role get the first vaccinations.
Family and friends for their support during the most trying of times for those leading organizations like Scripps and other organizations that are caring for and supporting their communities and patients 24/7.
After the year we have been through, being thankful gives me joy. It helps me remember that despite the challenges we have still to face, there is hope. And that will get us through this.