Seriously,
Early in the AIDS epidemic those of us with the illness were described as dying with AIDS. As the GLBT community and many others began to take charge of dealing with this unwelcome visitor the description was changed to PLWA – people living with AIDS. Local tasks forces were created, a buddy system was born, and political activists demanded that those living with AIDS – no matter what their income status, sexual orientation, age or gender – be treated with love and respect. Politicians and clergy were often the last to come on board. We did not wait for them.
Covid-19 presents some of the same challenges. A friend of mine just shared her concern about how many she knew seemed to have stopped living with Covid-19 and are waiting for cure, a vaccine or to die. No matter what the challenges we can decide to live with Covid-19. Yes, we need to wear masks, demand our political leaders take the lead in how we are going to live in the midst of this pandemic, gather to make the best possible decisions regarding schools, how to support health care workers and how to support those who are without work and, thus, without food or rent money. Just as with AIDS and other challenges WE must support each other in living with covid-19. We may have to change many habits, but no one can stop our dance of life; not even covid-19; not even politicians; not even pharmaceutical companies who may try to overcharge for medication or vaccines when they are available.
Seriously we are going to take covid-19 seriously as we learn to live and not die with it. Even those in ICU units are still living and deserve the very best care we can together provide.
We are here. We are living. We are going to keep dancing as long as we are living. Seriously.
Written July 21, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Early in the AIDS epidemic those of us with the illness were described as dying with AIDS. As the GLBT community and many others began to take charge of dealing with this unwelcome visitor the description was changed to PLWA – people living with AIDS. Local tasks forces were created, a buddy system was born, and political activists demanded that those living with AIDS – no matter what their income status, sexual orientation, age or gender – be treated with love and respect. Politicians and clergy were often the last to come on board. We did not wait for them.
Covid-19 presents some of the same challenges. A friend of mine just shared her concern about how many she knew seemed to have stopped living with Covid-19 and are waiting for cure, a vaccine or to die. No matter what the challenges we can decide to live with Covid-19. Yes, we need to wear masks, demand our political leaders take the lead in how we are going to live in the midst of this pandemic, gather to make the best possible decisions regarding schools, how to support health care workers and how to support those who are without work and, thus, without food or rent money. Just as with AIDS and other challenges WE must support each other in living with covid-19. We may have to change many habits, but no one can stop our dance of life; not even covid-19; not even politicians; not even pharmaceutical companies who may try to overcharge for medication or vaccines when they are available.
Seriously we are going to take covid-19 seriously as we learn to live and not die with it. Even those in ICU units are still living and deserve the very best care we can together provide.
We are here. We are living. We are going to keep dancing as long as we are living. Seriously.
Written July 21, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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