The world shifted

Each of us has our own marker for when our world shifted. For me, it began on March 2, 2020, when a trusted colleague and critical worker in my office was directed to self-isolate because of underlying conditions, in the absence of official guidance directing the action.

Then, I was designated a “non-essential” worker on March 5 and sent home. No adult wants to be categorized as non-essential. My employer ultimately ceased on-site operations on March 18, 2020.

For others who I hold dear, the loss of immediate family made them accept the reality of this crisis. The horror of hospitalization crystalizes in each family members’ memory.

The virus, and our state’s and our nation’s response to it, was, at best, chaotic. I celebrate the resilience of our values to rise up and thwart any threat. We are at our most unified when we have a common opponent to quell.

I have observed and been subjected to the worst of our politicians’ follies. I cry for the children who have been denied the ability to attend school and for the longrange consequences our decision-makers have foisted upon them.

Over the past year, I have realized that I am not in step with the “virtualists” who believe that video-meetings are as effective as in-person discussions. They are not. We are not teaching our children well, asking them to wear face masks for hours daily, or retreat to “virtual” lessons. Pray for sanity.

Gail Wegner, Davidsonville