For the last 5 years, I have regularly run along the main road leading to and from my home. If I’m not running, I’m walking the dog along that same route. This has not changed since mid March when we went into virtual lockdown. For a very long time it was just about the only “freedom” I had, and it was, and is, a very important, and rejuvenating part of most days. Lately there have been numerous stories about a surge in the spread of this very annoying (never mind dangerous) virus, yet today, it struck me as I was walking the dog that one of the things I’ve seen repeatedly during these past four months is how people can and do take things seriously and take care of each other.

The running community is very supportive. I move at a snail’s pace, and to even use the term “running” for how I move, is a very generous use of the term. Not one time however, regardless of my pace, have I been met with anything other than a wave, a smile, encouragement, a cheer from others either running, biking or walking. Frequently, the biggest cheers and encouragements come from far more accomplished athletes. That continues to this day, but what has added to that, and caused this stream of consciousness spew, is the attitude folks have today as well. No one is happy about this mess, it’s tough, I struggle with it daily, but today, while walking Abbey THE dog, what I saw (and then reflected upon) was this: EVERY SINGLE PERSON I’ve come into contact with over the past 4 months still smiles, still waves, but in addition, is masked up when passing AND either crosses the street or walks out or waits so there is ample room for us to pass each other without any fear of spreading any droplets or the like. It hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks….this is why we, in this little section of my town have seen almost no cases, are hearing about no serious hospitalizations. We are using intelligence, we are compassionate toward each other and we are respecting the fact that it’s not just about ourselves, but about those around us.

Why is this no so damn self evident? It sucks, it will suck a bit longer, However, if we continue to do this, it will shorten the “suck factor” it will allow us to “open up” and yes, this too WILL pass….