Corona manifested itself with a force in our family a week or so ago. Where it was transmitted from is not known, only that it has made some of us very sick! Covid-19 is not discriminatory nor merciful. It affects children and adults and has made itself well known in our Polynesian community. Some of my own children and grandchildren have suffered because of it. Many tears have been shed and prayers said for those who suffer.
As I go about my activities during the week, I am dismayed at the number of people who still think the virus is a myth. Many take no precautions against the attack
and are most likely the super spreaders. We went to a craft fair yesterday and masks were not required! Once the virus has penetrated your own family, you become hyperaware of the ignorance and disregard some have for their fellow humans.
Body aches, fever, chills, lack of smell, fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, and low oxygen
levels are some of the gifts of Corona. It is strong enough to put our existence in limbo for the time being. Many businesses have disappeared, people unemployed, schooling off and on, church is online, as well as entertainment. We are so grateful for a prophet who has continued to guide us through social media. We were challenged to give thanks during the month of November and share it on social media. This helped me realize how blessed we were despite the current difficulty. Russell M. Nelson is the prophet for the whole world, not just our church. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng
The Polynesians have had to forgo their manifestations of “aloha” when greeting each other. Hugs and kisses have been replaced with nods. Those that have lived in the South Pacific realize how difficult that is. They have had to alter their inclinations, in fact their very nature. They must suppress
their expressions of joy or sadness at gatherings such as birthdays, funerals, celebrations, holidays, and other events. Their propensity towards affection has been dampened.
Since I am normally an introvert, the isolation has been welcomed. For my husband, it has been very troublesome. He is a very social person and loves to be among his friends and family. I don’t believe I have ever seen him depressed during our marriage until now. Being forced to separate himself from others has been torture!
We have a new appreciation for technology which is used for visits with
our family, church, school, and concerts. The present situation would be more difficult without it. Past pandemics have caused many more deaths than the current one. Projections for Corona were much higher, but it still may catch up if we are not careful and diligent in our counterattack.
Please be careful out there and pray for those who suffer. Do your part to mitigate the pandemic and alleviate suffering due to a blatant disregard for others.
