By Piya Jacob, SCC Board Secretary
I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper. During this time of corona virus many of us have had the time to think about what our role, our contribution can be to curb the spread of this COVID-19. A novel virus that has now spread all over the world.
When we think about our role in curbing the spread of the disease it gives us power. It gives us a sense of responsibility. And, how we rise to meet and embrace this challenge tells us a lot about ourselves. The thing that gives me joy is reading about all the different ways people are coping, sharing ideas to help others and actually doing all kinds of small, and big, acts of kindness.
All of us cannot be at the front lines in doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals. Nor can we be driving the trucks with much needed groceries, unloaded and stocked constantly by the people who work in large grocery stores and small bodegas all over the country. We cannot fill in for the pharmacist or the drug store clerk. But we can all help them by making sure we thank them and keep ourselves healthy thereby reducing their workload. We cannot help the local fire fighters or police officers, but we can be extra careful to not need their services when they are needed on the front lines to help those in true emergencies. Suddenly we realize that the mail person, the garbage collector, the baker, and the nursing aide in a care facility are keeping our lives running smoothly. When you see them working take a moment to thank them. They, too, have families at home who worry about their wellbeing.
There is a silver lining. We just have to crane our necks sometimes to spot it. And when you do, you will smile. And then, you will undoubtedly find many instances that bring a smile to your face. A smile that you can share. Our planet is our lifeboat. We are on this raft together. The guidelines from all regions of the world point us in the same direction. Either we reach out in sensible ways to one another, or we all go down together. This is a test for humanity. How are you doing?
Please remember that the hard working and dedicated staff at the Sedona Community Center continues to provide meals to people in our community. Although there are a few amendments on the daily menu, our chef and kitchen crew are diligently working to keep each carefully prepared meal as near to the originally planned menu as possible. Meals on Wheels volunteers, along with the employees, have implemented sanitizing and protection protocol to keep our meal recipients as safe as possible from the threat of COVID-19.
Staff and volunteers are greatly appreciative of those individuals and organizations who have reached out in so many ways, including to assist with food production and supplying handsewn cloth masks. If you, or anyone you know, needs a hot meal please call 928.282.2834 for more information. Menus are available online at www.sccsedona.org. Be well. Stay healthy. Stay virtually connected to each other.
