We are in the eye of the storm. The world enmeshed in an insidious and invisible foe that threatens our very existence.

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has markedly changed our lives. We exist in a miasmic twilight zone whereby tragic news drips into our eyes daily via our Tv sets and social media.

New phrases such as “Social Distancing,’ and ‘Flattening the curve’ have become part of our everyday lexicon. Family and friends laid off. Many don’t know how the bills are going to be paid. Schools out for the foreseeable future and kids with access struggle to make use of online instructions.

Communication, travel, and our retail habits all been significantly altered during the crisis.

The few times ventured out for the basics, I was disappointed. Hoarders and panic shoppers had stripped the shelves. Wholesale shopping clubs Costco and BJs, city dinners are virtual ghost towns. The surreal nature of the pandemic upends our daily lives. Strange days indeed!

We hope our elected officials get it together and lead by example. We see incredible acts of kindness, courage, and resourcefulness on a far local and global scale. The crisis will batter and bruised us, but it will not break us. Girded by our common humanity, we emerge stronger and prepared for the next storm.