Watching this evening’s news I was moved to tears…

An RN, assigned to a Covid unit and overwhelmed with grief, sobbing uncontrollably.

…my heart just broke.

The Medical Community is in need.

…and there is something we all can do to help them.

Listen

Last year, about this time, I reported to medical to take an annual hearing exam.

On my way out there were sounds coming from a nearby exam room…

”Anyone in that condition should never have reported to work.”, I thought to myself.

That was Wednesday.

It hit me Friday…the first day of the Christmas shutdown.

It was bad. I don’t know what this is…but it’s bad.

I self-quarantined.

There is no way I am going to expose anyone else to this.

Nancy and I cancelled our holiday plans.

My best friend’s Mother’s birthday party…not a chance. We RSVP’d our disappointment at not being able to attend.

The annual family Christmas eve gathering…no way.

Christmas dinner with family…out of the question.

Nancy and I spent a quiet Christmas together…just the two of us.

In mid-February I retired.

At that time cases of Covid-19 had just entered the U.S.

March 13th, 2020 was the last time I got a haircut from Monica, my longtime friend/stylist/mental therapist.

Nancy now cuts my hair…and she’s getting pretty good at it.

The medical experts suggested guidelines…those became our guidelines.

I do not care what political pundits opine.

Some of our friends believe that we are overreacting.

I do not care to see how socially active you are and braving this threat.

What I see…

Our Medical Community is overwhelmed.

WE have an obligation to listen to what they have to say.

Take their advice on what we need to do and what not to do.

At some point in our lives…

We WILL need the help, the care…the empathy of many healthcare professionals.

But…right now.

Right now…

They need our help.

Nancy and I will do our best to stay out of the way.

For as long as it takes…

And to all healthcare professionals out there…please know that you are very much appreciated and we wish you well.

You are our heroes.

Every one of you.

Nancy and I will share another beautiful, quiet Christmas celebration…together.

Just the two of us.

…and there is nothing left to say, but

Merry Christmas…

and hope.