COVID Day of Remembrance

Receive now this blessing: 
Blessed are we who are forever changed by our pandemic experiences. 
From a “long weekend” that morphed into the new frontier of unprecedented bread baking to scientific breakthroughs that toppled medicinal trust; 
From minimizing the death of George Floyd into a mere hashtag that stripped away his humanity to the Tiger King phenomenon that transcended position, race, and creed; 
From “essential” employees who put their own health and safety at risk without qualifying for healthcare worker discounts to medical personnel receiving parades, billboards, and commercials for their bravery and sacrifice; 
From people who died alone, completely isolated from loved ones to the harmonized voices of strangers interconnected through anthems that eclipsed the solitude of empty streets with shared hope… 
Yes, blessed are we who are forever changed by our pandemic experiences and the memories that never seem to fade. 
May our grief be met with kindness and our anxieties mended with peace. 
May we strive to acknowledge the historical trauma, strengths, and realities of the diverse communities we serve. 
May our contributions be valued while we value the contributions of those undervalued. 
May we care well for ourselves so we, too, can be a catalyst for hope in this shared world. 
Amen.