A Chara Dhíl,
I hope you are keeping well, strong in mind and body as we live through strange and challenging times. Health staff, school staff, public officials are dedicated people trying their best in unprecedented times. They are under enormous professional and personal strain, given the risks they face every day. They should not be judged harshly if some of their judgements are misplaced. “Comments are free, but facts are sacred”, so said the Guardian editor in 1921.
Through our history outbreaks of pandemics have changed economies and societies. Covid-19 is no different, but it gives a once-in-a-century opportunity to shape the world our children and grandchildren will inherit.
We will come through this pandemic. It doesn’t have to be scary. Let’s be patient. Try looking at each circumstance through love if you can as fear does not serve us well. We have to be optimistic. It is a form of faith, an antidote to fear. Optimism and resilience is part of our heritage mar a deir and seanfhocal, “Is gaire cabhair Dé ná an doras.” Optimism helps us to overcome doubts, fears, and vulnerabilities. It helps us to stay safe and be happy, as Fr. Brian Darcy said, “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. So let’s choose HOPE.”
We have to work through our anxieties as best we can. Take personal responsibility for oneself and in that way we will protect others. The scientific rules are clear so we will obey them and still laugh and communicate in the best way we can. Human connection is essential in a lonely world.
Continue to Care and Connect and find a member who would welcome a phone call.
In the meantime, “Hope in Him, hold firm and take heart.” Psalm 27.
Beannacht Dé oraibh go léir.
Mary Kyne
President 2020