We’re reminded of what really matters

The human race is flawed, but if we remain united, we can overcome anything

Imagine! It is June or July or December 2020 or April 2021. Scientists came through. We have a COVID-19 vaccine. We are back to “normal.” We are free to walk in parks, to visit our parents, to go to work, to go to a baseball game.

But have we learned anything? Is it business as usual? Will we return to the preCOVID reality or are we better equipped to face the next inevitable challenge?

I believe that it will never be the same for the generations affected by the COVID-19 tragedy.

Not everybody will agree, but I do believe we have learned important lessons. á Cherish your family and friends: During normal times we forget what really matters. Little things at work, what he or she said becomes important and all consuming. A meaningless promotion or acknowledgement is an aim of countless efforts and sleepless nights. Now we know — what really matters is my family, my husband, who has been by my side for better or worse for over 35 years, my children, my extended family scattered around the world. During these trying times I called my family, I texted, WhatsApped, checked the COVID Worldometer for what is happening in Israel, in New York, in other parts of the world besides Canada. I stayed in touch with friends and prayed for their safety. Rapidly I realized that my family and friends are my world and ultimately, the most important and maybe the only thing that matters. á Cherish what you have: Family, friends, an honest and decent living, liberty, sunrises and sunsets, oceans and mountain ranges.

á For many years I thought that many things that I do are essential: I advise patients with heart disease, I teach, I do clinical research. I now realize that while my work has been important and satisfying for me, during COVID-19 just calling patients and telling them that I understand and share their anguish, holding their hand virtually is more important than anything I ever did. I call or video conference patients every day, review their cardiac symptoms and medications and provide advice. I have realized that it is not so much the pills and tests, but making patients understand that I care, that really matters.

á Material possessions are ultimately irrelevant: We all aimed for a nicer home, a nicer backyard (with a pool), a fancier car. It seems so senseless now. A decent and dignified living is all that most people need and whether you drive a Toyota or a Porsche is suddenly so meaningless.

á We are in a frenzy whenever vacation time comes: Where should I book the next vacation? How can I find something more exotic and extravagant than last year? Suddenly spending quality time with your spouse and children anywhere, possibly even at home during winter, spring or summer vacation is not heresy, but exciting.

á Technology is here to stay: So many work activities can be done just as well or often better without ever going to the office, just using smart online digital resources. Punching timecards, showing that you came to work at 9 a.m. and left at 5 p.m. is suddenly not an important metric. What matters is whether you got the job done (in PJs or otherwise).

á Let technology is in: It is the truly the way of the future and what will ultimately get us to a glorious next stage in human history. People of my generation cling to the old, time-honoured measures of work performance based on antiquated methods and metrics. It is time! Let us embrace telehealth, teleconferencing, tele everything when and if it is well done.

á Maintain a healthy skepticism with regards to governments, health-care establishments or any establishments: Think for yourself, do not be afraid to go against the mainstream and if you have questions do not hesitate to ask difficult questions. We all pay taxes and we are all part of the human collective and have a duty to mankind — it is our right and duty to peacefully and respectfully challenge governments, establishments and the status quo. Demand a serious review and reckoning.

á Most of all, never give up hope: The human race is flawed and divided, but also incredibly innovative, resourceful and, in times of need compassionate. Ultimately, we can overcome any obstacle, anything nature or humans throw at us. Stay safe!

Eva Lonn is a cardiologist Hamilton Health Sciences and a professor of medicine at McMaster University.