By Karen Bova
As I sit here looking out the window, I imagine that the world out there hasn’t changed since last February. I imagine that the Covid-19 had never come. And anytime I want, I can walk out to my car and drive to the health gym that I love to attend. I can meet my girlfriends there without a mask and give them a big hug. I can hi-five my male friends and workout on the machines without worrying about hand sanitizers! And the gym owner will be in a happy state of mind, not fraught with concerns over losing his business.
In this world, I can go down to the school to substitute teach and see children playing on the playground and mixing in happy groups with their friends. The school will not require me to wear a mask upon entrance or to distance myself from the kids. I will be able to talk to them and help them with their personal problems or studies without fear of catching something or making them sick.
Without the Covid threat, I can stop and get my haircut sans mask and not worry when the hairdresser is so close while washing it. I can wander around and shop a while without concern. I can actually make airline reservations to go see my grandchildren, not just dream of it. Oh, there are so many things I can do in my daydreams.
But now, as my thoughts return to the world of Covid, I worry, “Will my country be okay; will our economy be wrecked and put us into a depression? Are my children and more neighbors going to lose their jobs; will their children continue to be educated and cared for?”
I know I can do without a Saturday night dance at the American Legion or other such pleasures. But can my country bear the brunt of such a horrid plague and not be torn apart at the seams by riots, crime and hatred? I ask our dear Lord to help all our leaders make the right choices and may voters make the right choices in our leaders. We, the people, are the caretakers of this country. We must keep it safe and strong. I love this land and want for it to be free, prosperous, and peaceful! May the wretched Covid go away soon and never come back!
