We are told that today we have the most up-to-date scientific methods to fight diseases that have ever existed. Yet, when a new strain
of flu, or as at present, the Covid-19 pandemic hits the world, it almost stymies the experts until the plague has taken a huge toll
on our fellow human beings! In fact, there is still not a known cure for the common cold and how it even gets started in humans! Some
say this is God’s way of keeping the population of the earth in control!
The Black Death was the most deadly plague to hit the known
world. It lasted from 1345-1353 and decimated between 75 and 200 million lives. It ravaged Europe, Africa, and Asia until it played
itself out. If a plague of that magnitude struck America, there would be few left to relate the tale. The Plague of Justinian lasted
from 541-542 and the death toll was estimated at 25 million. These numbers were staggering and just think of the ineptitude of the
medical world, at that time, to cope with such devastation!
The ones who died in these two plagues alone were just about like the
people in the world today. They wanted to do exactly what they wished to do. Most of them probably succumbed from starvation as food
was at a premium. Could this happen again before a vaccine is found to stay this present plague? Why would anyone in their right mind
doubt the significance of this pandemic? Why do people flirt with death each day because of a thirst for alcohol or some kind of fancy
food that they could prepare at home with a little effort? Is being with friends and others worth the price to pay for an evening
of pleasure?
With the CDC and WHO changing their minds each day about what one should do or shouldn’t do, does it seem that they are
influenced by whoever has the purse strings of their particular group? There have been a lot of shenanigans going on, especially in
the United States of America! One says this, the other says that, and who are we to believe?
When we went through the polio epidemic
in the 1950’s, we heard plenty of good information and a lot of misinformation. As stated in another article, we were very happy when
Dr. Salk and his fellow doctors came up with a vaccine.
These epidemics take a toll on the poor parents who are concerned about their
children:
-There is a terrible toll on the nervous systems of all concerned!
-There is much consternation brought on by dread of the
unknown!
-Fear is rampant when misinformation is spread by the media in general.
-Depression is apt to strike anyone involved who is
not able to keep busy or who may be emotionally distressed already!
-Heads of families and sole supports for the family, who lose their
jobs, face financial stress!
It seems that ‘good news’ does not sell as well as ‘bad news’! It would be my prayer, that media newscasts
would try their hardest during a crisis to bring the good things out that people are doing, instead of blaming someone for the crisis.
Wouldn’t that be a turn for the better? I have been accused of being an idealist!
It is too bad that most of us human beings are always
looking for the worst in any problem that arises. We feed on negative information. Sometimes we just go into-a-hole and simply curl
up thinking that the danger will be past soon. Instead, we should be looking for ways that we can be a help to our communities without
exposing ourselves to danger. Some of my family has been volunteering at food banks. My wife crochets blankets for kids in trauma
units at hospitals, as well as, shawls for the old folks at care homes. One of my daughters, and my granddaughter, prepares food and
delivers it to families affected by the virus. These members of my family would never want to ask for a pat on the back. They just
do things for the satisfaction of trying to be of a little help. As for myself, I have been declared the ‘Mayor of our units’ at our
townhouse complex. Neighbors have contacted me for help with torn screen doors, plumbing problems, and many such things that arise
in a household. I am now seventy-eight years of age, but am still willing to help out as much as I possibly can. The trick is to stay
as busy as possible. These are the things that count in a crisis! The little things! It is a great relief for people to know there
are those among our neighbors that they can count on in an emergency!