Making the Best of a Bad Situation
There are a lot of advantages to living in rural Missouri. Fortunately, for the most part, many of the stresses that affect people who live in more populated areas are completely unknown to us.
However, I believe this has changed, and in an incredibly short amount of time.
The coronavirus has changed everybody’s life, in one way or another, in only a matter of two or three weeks. What started as an illness on the other side of the world has spread faster than most people can comprehend. We have gone from hearing about a few cases on the coasts to every school district in Missouri closing their doors for the near future.
Phrases like “self-quarantine” and “shelter-in-place” are now as common as saying hello or asking, “How about this weather?” But, the coronavirus also means businesses closing and restaurants only offering curbside service, delivery or pickup. I believe this is a great time to support those locally owned and family businesses that are always there for us. There are still a lot of people going to work each day, whether they are EMTs or those that run the local donut shop. Let us take this time to not only thank them, but support them in any way we can. Order some take-out food, buy gift cards for friends and family to use after this crisis passes and help keep these businesses around for the future.
This is also a good time to check in on your neighbors. We probably all know someone who lives alone and is having to stay inside. I believe it is possible to practice social distancing, while still being friendly and a good neighbor. Call those family members and old friends who live a state or two away. Chances are, they are experiencing the same things you are, or have the same questions. If we come out of this a little stronger, smarter and closer to each other, then it will be a big victory for all of us and can give us some optimism about the future.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.