I’ve met with numerous business owners who have cried, been angry, scared, and frustrated. Yet, they truly want to do what is right for the County and their community.
Recently, while walking in my neighborhood, a woman stopped me. She was very angry. She expressed her frustration about businesses being closed, not surviving as a County, and no place for kids to play. She argued that since there have been no deaths, we should just open up the County. When she was finished, she said “Thank you for letting me vent.” I realized that one of the gifts we can give to each other is simply to listen and be present for each other.
Yes, we need to recognize the downside of this crisis, especially if we are to remain alert to our own frustrations and stay compassionate to other’s burdens. Clearly, rumors abound and many of us feel we do not have any control over what is happening. The future feels very uncertain. Many of our elderly are experiencing isolation. We miss visiting family and friends. And there are the financial losses that many people and businesses face.
In these stressful times, we can turn on each other, often taking the high moral ground. Mask or no masks? Business open or closed? Bar still serving or not? Second homeowners coming and going? Despite these lapses, I believe most people are trying their best, and some face more distress than others do.
As your County Supervisor, there is no question that the light exceeds the dark. When all this is over, we can leave a legacy that we acted with compassion and heartfelt community spirit. What we do today, will be remembered. Let’s hang-in there.
Warmly,
Merita