Many Orleans County friends and neighbors keep community going during this tough time
‘Each of us can shine light – by being kind to one another, practicing patience in these trying times, and especially by thanking those in our area who are giving of themselves so selflessly to keep our lives as normal as possible.’
By Karen Sawicz, publisher of OrleansHub.com and Lake Country Pennysaver
If this was an ordinary year Monday, April 6, would be the championship game for men’s NCAA basketball. We’d be one week into the MLB regular season – NHL and NBA teams would be jockeying for playoff positions. But nothing about the first three months of 2020 has been ordinary.
Due to the coronavirus, at all levels of sports – from peewee to pros – the season is over or on hold. The stadiums, arenas, and basketball courts are closed. But for some the season never ends. Nothing – not even a global pandemic – can stop them from getting up in the morning and going to work. Our nurses, doctors, police, firefighters and first responders – and this isn’t a quest for the Stanley Cup or a championship ring – they are literally in the fight of their lives.
But also people behind the scenes – farmers, truck drivers, clerks and cashiers who keep our stores from becoming completely bare; electric and gas company workers who are standing by in case the power goes out; orderlies pushing wheelchairs, janitors keeping businesses clean; restaurant workers delivering our take-out order. These are our friends and neighbors, sons and daughters – and across Orleans County they are doing their jobs as if it was just another day.
We’ve certainly had “March Madness” this year, just not the kind we’re used to. There’s no bracket busting Cinderella’s, no last-second buzzer-beaters. Now we’re just looking for any sense of normalcy we can find – our favorite ice cream at the grocery store, a friendly wave from the bank teller at the drive-through window. There aren’t enough words to thank those in our community, these unsung heroes, who are keeping Orleans County from totally coming to a standstill.
Since 1987 the men’s basketball championship game has ended with the song “One Shining Moment.” It’s about hard work and overcoming adversity, finding light in the darkness. These are certainly dark days, and it’s hard to feel hope or optimism.
But remember, light shines brightest in the darkest hour. We won’t hear “One Shining Moment” on Monday, but each of us can shine light – by being kind to one another, practicing patience in these trying times, and especially by thanking those in our area who are giving of themselves so selflessly to keep our lives as normal as possible.
