Thoughts on Pandemic

Medical personnel tell us Covid is not over and could come back. We pray that all will be safe in the months ahead. 

As I look back over two years of the pandemic, I am grateful. In our monastery, we had a few sisters who were infected with the virus, but they escaped serious symptoms. They were isolated right away, so as not to spread the disease. I'm sure it was not easy for them, but they understood the importance of keeping the virus under control. The rest of us carried on, wearing masks when required. We were restricted from going out to eat or shop or travel when the Covid count was high in town, but that was not too often. 

We were spared deaths that other groups experienced. Older people were most affected, but our sisters seemed to be of very sturdy stock. We all got the first and second shots and booster shots, which I'm sure was a great deterrent to the disease. 

Those teaching in schools had a much harder time. Many schools switched to virtual classes for long periods, and students did not have the discipline and group activities that enforce learning. This resulted in huge challenges for teachers and many children falling behind in their classes. 

Many older people, too, suffered from the isolation, experiencing more loneliness and depression. They missed the interaction with people around them and outdoor events.They were grateful for kind neighbors and friends who checked on their welfare. 

Although millions of people have died from Covid, we survivors have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. We would do well to make a gratitude list for all our blessings, and to pray for all who have lost loved ones.