Opinion: We'll get through this time of uncertainty together

These are the moments that define us.

We’re all doing the best we can navigating our way through this new normal of “shelter-at-home.” It’s an uncertain time, and that can be pretty nerve wracking and unsettling.

The stories and statistics change daily, if not hourly. People are unsure of jobs, of the availability of grocery items, of the ability to get the things they need daily for their families.

Students are worried about finishing school online, and administrators, teachers and staff are worried about students.

Families and friends are worried about their loved ones who work in any capacity in the healthcare profession, for first responders, for people in stores or businesses deemed mission essential.

We’re worried about our neighbors who have had to close their businesses for the time being, for restaurant owners and workers who, while closed, are still working to prepare food for takeout.

We’re worried about our neighbors in general.

Amid the uncertainty, there are beacons of light radiating from our communities.

We see business owners lifting up other businesses, encouraging their customers to support all restaurants, stores and other local enterprises. We see these same people encouraging folks to tip big when they go curbside to pick up food or groceries.

There are sewers (is that a word?) who are gathering and making masks for healthcare professionals and first responders. There are restaurants who are making and delivering food to offer their support — and to offer a heart-felt thanks as well.

There are businesses making grocery boxes for curbside or delivery.

We see teachers, who are just as nervous as students transitioning online, offering up their time to tutor students. Not their students? No matter: They’re helping kids and parents who need it.

We see folks on social media reading to kids at night, some in costume, from their living rooms or kitchens. We see people offering cooking classes or art classes from their homes, just to help people get through this time.

There are pastors and pastoral groups using technology to offer hope and services in whatever capacity they can. There are support groups for educators, for the homebound, for people who are just afraid right now.

There are people making sure their neighbors have food, daily necessities. We see neighbors making grocery runs for family and friends, even strangers, who are physically challenged or immune-compromised. There are others who are making sure yards are mowed, dogs are walked, errands are run, things mailed.

The list goes on and on.

While we don’t know how long this will last or what the “new normal” will be, one thing is clear: We’re in this together. We’re better together. To paraphrase the Beatles, we’ll get by with a little help from our friends.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact her at:

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