I have read science fiction books about pandemics. I have pondered
the possibilities of a man-made virus developed for use as a weapon. And
I have imagined the effects this would have on our world. But despite
being a writer, my imagination fell far short of the reality, now that
it's here.
Many more people have already died,
world-wide, from this Covid 19 than I imagined. I pictured the virus as
being something like the yearly flu, that might make you sick,
uncomfortably so, but most people would have the stamina to recover from
it. It wouldn't require whole schools to close, those who might have
the virus to be quarantined, restaurants, sporting events, concerts,
businesses all are closed down. Life has radically changed.
But
in addition to the evil things this virus has wrought, it has brought
out the best in our fellow human beings. The news is filled with stories
of doctors, nurses and first responders who sacrifice their time,
effort and health to care for our sick, and sometimes their lives.
Neighbors help each other with groceries and stay in touch online with
the elderly. Entertainers offer up songs on the internet, or read
stories online to children who are confined indoors.
I
don't know how long this will last, but it's already lasted longer than
I imagined. It is changing our world and we may not return to the "good
old days," even when the virus has a vaccine and is no longer such a
dangerous threat. I like to think by then the world will have changed
for the better, with us realizing how little our world really is, and
how closely related we are to each other. It's a small, small world!
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