Editorial: Let these past 15 months teach you a lifetime of lessons

By Andre Jones | June 2, 2021 7:29 am

Nobody knows when it is truly safe to return to “the new normal.” But when we do, let’s do it with a mindset of making this world a better place.

For the last 15 months, many of us have stayed isolated or at home by ourselves. Some of us have lost loved ones, lost jobs, and lost hope in society with the transgressions that have taken place. But all is not lost as doors begin to open.

I hope that we can each humble ourselves and respect each other more. If 15 months in keeping to ourselves and not sharing our personalities with others isn’t a stern reminder, then I don’t know what will be.

It’s okay to continue to be cautious. It’s okay to have opinions whether it’s politics, if to get the vaccine or not, or how school graduations are being conducted. If a person wants to continue to wear a mask, don’t criticize them for it. If they don’t want to wear one, respect that opinion as well. Some people believe it shouldn’t have been a mandate, and they are entitled to that belief as well. But looking back, I hope that we have grown as people.

While people say that this is the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to COVID-19, I say that it’s just the prologue to a book that has a lot left to be written in it. Our lives here on this Earth is our own journey. We were placed here to enjoy it and to share our love for others. No matter your beliefs, religion, political affiliation, etc., the divide of hatred must come down.

There are sayings that we are stronger together and that we are as strong as our weakest link. I say that we are only as strong as the foundation and examples we set for others. If we can live in a world with differing opinions, we can respect each other in it as well.

Things will never be perfect, and they will never be the same. I’m just hoping that after 15 months, we all have an appreciation on who we are as people, and what we can do with the opportunities presented to us. There are some people who will never have those chances again.