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The pandemic has brought a lot of suffering and also a lot of confusion -- the task of trying to differentiate fact from "almost fact" is seemingly insurmountable. While dealing with this cloud of anxiety and physical distancing let's try to remember to have compassion for others, not just now but especially when this nightmare is ending. The lesson to learn is that every day is precious and every one of us needs help from others.
Don't exclude conscientiousness as though it too were a virus. This virus recognizes no boundaries and has no preferences. It travels without a roadmap. Why can't generosity follow the same route? When we remove our virus masks we also need to remove our masks of indifference and insensitivity.
Rejoin society from this pandemic with a much greater understanding of one another. Don't take life for granted as though you were guaranteed a tomorrow. Look beyond your own personal bubble of life and contribute and interact with society with enthusiasm and sincerity. Let the virus -- not what we have learned from it -- be temporary.
We approach the future now with cautiousness and trepidation. As we continue on this sabbatical from a life we once knew (still preferring our prior normal lives), let us remember to emerge from this 2020 year with a better vision for living our lives while helping others.
James Layton
Beaver Falls, Pa.