There are numerous articles out now talking about the new awakening of all the house-bound Americans. Awakening to a life slowed down with time for introspection, time with loved ones, time to re-discover old interests and passions. Awakening to how much they need people in their lives, interactions and interconnections that they had taken for granted – the coffee clerk, the library lady, the cashier at the grocery store. Awakening to all that we had taken for granted from good health, a death surrounded by loved ones, enough toilet paper and no fear of a silent killer.

I am in that category of vulnerable individual in my 70s with asthma and diabetes. Nothing severe and still making me not only vulnerable but also disposable if I happen to need hospitalization at a peak time in the hospital. After all, they reason, I have finished my ‘time of value’ to society. I may be valuable to my children and grandchildren; to my clients and to my friends, but not in the societal ‘economic’ model. I understand the choice needing to be made and I would not want to deny a young person their chance to live life fully. And yet I am saddened by this need to make this choice. I hold the hand of the doctor or nurse who must make this decision and bless them for all they do for these humans in their care.

So I sit in my house alone wondering how do I make sure that my loved ones have guidance from me if I die from this virus? What will happen to my book almost ready for publication? To all the gifts that I still wanted to give to the world? It’s easier to write up lists for the kids of what is mine, what to give away, what to pass on. Not so easy to pass on the article not written, the book never published, the healing not extended. Death ends all options with this life. I grieve in advance for those options that may not ever be mine to give.

What we will remember after this enforced seclusion is ended? The sweetness of breathing fresh air without a mask, the joy in walking in nature being quiet and listening to its heartbeat, the supreme heart release as we are touched by and touch those we love. Will we keep the times of meditation and introspection? Will we still eat at home spending time with our loved ones? Will we keep on with our re-discovered passions/interests? Will we hug our children and our friends more frequently?

What will we fight for after this enforced seclusion is ended? The right to health care for every American? The right to vote? The right to vote by mail? The right to receive support from the government in times of need?

Let’s remember it all. The fear and the hope, the rights of all Americans to healthcare; the right to vote in all elections, the need for all of us to care for each other. Let us remember that government exists to care for the people and to care for the most vulnerable of our nation. It is wrong to have 1% of the population to own the majority of our wealth. It is wrong to let the poor suffer from treatable illnesses. It is wrong to design voting districts to serve only one party. It is wrong to deny citizens the right to vote. It is wrong to let children go hungry. It is wrong to allow that which goes against life to exist in our nation. It is wrong to stand aside and let others be starved, hurt, isolated and killed. It is wrong to hurt others.

Let us all remember to be our better selves and stand for what is life-enhancing becoming the dominant activities of our world. Let us remember our spirits and our deep connection to that which created us. Let us remember that we are one people and what happens to one, happens to all. Let us remember love for ourselves, for all people and Beings on this earth. Let us remember the hope of creating a better world for the earth, for all its inhabitants. Let us love again, deeper and wider than we have known before. Let us hold the hand of our God/Goddess and know that we are loved. Let us hold the hand of our loved ones and know that we love and are loved. Let us BE our best selves every day of our lives. Let us remember.