Can Good Come from COVID-19?

The coronavirus has certainly wreaked havoc on our world. It has touched every country except Antarctica and without a vaccine the pandemic will not end, most scientists say. So can any good come from such an apparent evil?

When I hear of people reaching out to those in need because of jobs lost or workloads cut, I am touched by their generosity and compassion. People who before the virus may not even have been conscious of others' suffering, have suddenly realized that without jobs, many people cannot feed their families. I hope that this outreach to others will continue after things get back to "normal,".

The social distancing has also made many of us realize how much we took hugs or kisses for granted and now we miss the need for contact. It has given many a new appreciation for closeness and the touch of skin.

Another "good" that I hope will continue after the pandemic is the importance of calling family and friends by phone or e-mail or zoom to say, "I love you," or "I'm thinking about you." When our lives are filled with busyness, we often don't take time to do that. Now we are more aware of how fragile life is and how those with COVID-19 can die without hearing those words from their loved ones.

Some have used the extra time to go through old letters and pictures and perhaps gotten rid of stuff they no longer need or put special things in order. Old memories flood their minds and hearts in a new way. The shortness of life has suddenly become more real.

These are some of the good things I thought might result from our time in lockdown or isolation. Maybe we can become less egocentric and more conscious of others.