Every time I come home, I look across the street at my neighbor’s home hoping I could catch a glimpse of her. I know she lives alone, and I always wondered, how was she coping with the shelter-at-home directive?
To put this into context: earlier, a wonderful colleague of mine shared a very insightful post about all of us being in the same storm, but we’re not all in the same boat. It really resonated with me, as I am deeply troubled by it every morning. We are all navigating through these treacherous waters fighting the storm, but some are better equipped than others. Some may be in ships, some in boats, and some may just have life-preservers.
Some are lucky to have a family, even if at times it gets crowded or overwhelming, but others are facing these difficulties in loneliness, fearing what’s to come with no one to console them. Some would prefer to have kids running around demanding attention or someone to argue with over what’s for dinner, instead of being alone.
The conditions aren’t the same: some are still working remotely, still getting paid while in the comfort of their homes, while others have lost their jobs facing economic uncertainty. Being home doesn’t always bring comfort; it instead sometimes brings sadness and worry.
We can’t judge, criticize or be angry at others as we are not all experiencing the same crisis. This is not the time to politicize this issue, pass judgement, condemn or ridicule anyone. This is the time to be caring, helpful, mindful, thoughtful, and most importantly understanding. We may all be navigating through the same rough waters, our destination may be the same, but we are all traveling a different journey.
Yesterday, I finally saw my neighbor in her garage and I said hello, she joyously smiled. She said that when she walks her dog, and when there isn’t anyone out, it brings her extreme sadness. I told her that I wanted to schedule a date with her to enjoy a glass of wine from across the street. Her eyes lit up, and that glimmer in her eyes made my heart smile.
We are all in it together, and together we will overcome. Be humble and kind, that’s what makes us all Human.
Written by Leslie L. Mujica, MPA. Executive Director - S. NV. IBEW & NECA-LMCC