I’m sixty-three years old, and I’m living in the worst of times. The virus is spreading all around me. I just heard about the sister of a friend who “got it.”
It took a while to sink in. It seemed like months, but it was only weeks until America all got on the same page: How to prevent it, how to contain it, how to test for it, how to treat it.
I’m concerned, but not for me. If I get it and it’s my time to go – I go contentedly. I’m certain of an afterlife, one unlike life as we know it, one without pain and suffering, one beautiful beyond comprehension, one where I am with God, surrounded by all my loved ones who passed before me.
Heaven is my idea of eternal good times.
I’m worried about my husband. His faith doesn’t run deep like mine; he’s not especially keen on heaven as a destination worth rushing to. But for now, we’re both healthy. That’s all we know for sure. And we’re together. We’re planning, discussing, learning more – together. We’re finding time to laugh, play Scrabble, share videos. We have a roof over our heads and a full pantry.
God has blessed us.
I’m concerned for my children, they are needed. They’re fathers and mothers, husbands, and wives. They have children. They have businesses to run and jobs to go to. My children are essential to our family, their families, their families’ families. Every day of illness would be a hardship. Or could it be a lesson? A valuable experience that forever changes the family dynamics for the better.
Could this virus be God’s clarion call to this and future generations?
I’m worried about my mother. She’s ninety-one years old with an active life and a will to live. Though my mom says she’s lived a full life, and she is ready to go anytime – she always adds a rolling milestone clause “I’d just like to live long enough to see [fill in the blank] married.”
I thank God she has devoted caregivers who help care for her every need. If she gets the virus, it will likely be deadly. We live in a remarkable era where health care professionals can help dying people be comfortable in the natural process of end-of-life.
My dear father is on the other side; he waits patiently for my mother when her time comes.
I’m hopeful for my grandchildren. They walk this earth with organs and cells designed to fight off disease. They have energy and curiosity to look at this health crisis and dare it to affect them and those they love. I feel like God is talking to them, saying, “You have a chance to be useful. I’m giving you a special purpose right now. Help yourself and help others in the safest possible way.” And the children are listening. They have even unplugged – at least a little. Because God knows even an iphone can get to be too much of a good thing after a while.
I see people outside at hours where they usually are inside at work, home, and school. Whole families and individuals are taking a walk in the fresh air, under God’s glorious canopy of sky and clouds. Even in the worst of times, Creation is miraculous and inspires awe – Praise God.
I am sending prayers to those who need it most. Prayers from me to you and yours. May God bless you.
By Susan Diamond
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