For Whom the Bell Tolls
Thinking, while in the “Church of John Muir”
Every morning my golden retriever, Aspen, and I hike a couple of miles through the woods at our local state forest. We go early in the morning, long before others take to the trails. It is quiet and peaceful.
There is a particular part of the trail that I refer to as the “Church of John Muir”. As we walk through the woods in a small kettle area, on many days we are greeted by white-tailed deer, curious of our conversation with them. The trees overhead sway with the wind, creaking in the cold, sharing their wisdom. If not immediately nearby, we’ll hear a woodpecker setting the rhythmic beat of the morning.
Does this all sound strange? Probably, and that’s OK.
Thoughts turned to Covid-19
For-whatever-reason, this morning my mind drifted to the 400,000 coronavirus deaths (as of January 18, 2021) in the US. This is an astonishing figure. According to the 2020 data, that death toll exceeds the population of New Orleans, Louisiana! And sadly, it is projected to go higher before the vaccines can have their full impact.
If you were wondering, yes, I’m going to take the vaccine when it is my turn. And no, I’m not complaining that someone else is getting it before me. It will be my turn in due time.
Until then, I will follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing, wearing a mask indoors, and avoiding large crowds.
It’s Real, It’s not Political
Following this advice should not be a political partisan issue.
Covid-19 doesn’t care about your social status, your occupation, your political party or religious beliefs, or your net worth. It strikes at will.
Someone you Know
I’m guessing we all know someone, perhaps in our own immediate or extended family, who has had it, or has been exposed in some way to Covid-19.
I do. Experienced symptoms range from a complete drain of energy for many weeks, to sickness for a few days. Lingering effects however, have included memory issues, foggy memory, loss of taste and smell - lasting months after the initial symptoms.
I know of elderly who have passed on as the virus migrated through long-term care facilities. It hit despite the full attention and dedication the staff took to keeping the virus out since it first landed on US soil. I witnessed the staff’s commitment to their residents first hand, and saw the strain each endured.
Our awareness of coronavirus is like so many other events in our lives. If it doesn’t touch us personally, it isn’t real. We’ve all heard the cavalier comments”
“The flu kills more people”
“I’m in good health. I won’t get it”
“Only 1% of the people that get it die”
One might think that as an individual is touched by Covid-19 (either directly or someone they know), that the reality of this virus might come to fruition. It does for some. For others, it’s as if they just went through a yellow light. It was a caution light, but it didn’t really slow them down.
Comments from the Health Care Promotion
Twice during the 2020 pandemic, I offered healthcare workers an opportunity to receive a free matted print of an image they selected from my on-line Gallery. Each promotion offered up to 10 images. Free shipping within the continental US was also included.
Their comments echoed the severity of this deadly virus.
“Thank you for the beautiful matted print photo that you gave me last week. Your extreme generosity is very touching.
I will always remember your kindness in the years ahead when I look at the lovely sunshine in the photo. It has touched me in more ways that you are not aware of.
Your gift means a lot and will give me joy always.
May you be blessed many times over for your kindness to others.”
Germantown, Maryland
“I received your beautiful image yesterday.
Thanks for including the nice lyrics to John Denver's song. He is sorely missed in these tragic days.
I have decided to temporarily bring your gift to work and display it in my CT scan room so my patients may enjoy viewing it also since my work as well as others was why you were so kind to do this for us.
I posted a little story in face book.
Thanks again,”
Gansevoort, New York
“First I want to say your pictures are stunning. It took me a bit to find one that really spoke to me. Second, thank you for sharing and doing this for healthcare heroes.
I work in the ER at Aurora and have firsthand experience of what this epidemic really is. It’s scary and that’s putting it nicely. I don’t consider myself a hero at all but doing my part/pledge to be there to care for this in need.
It’s been tough and words won’t explain what I’ve seen. The fear of bringing it home (to my family) has been nothing short of nerve wrecking. So, the fear is real and it’s heartbreaking to keep trying to keep them safe as possible as I work the front lines and can be exposed easier than normal.
The picture I chose: "A Place to Contemplate". The caption and picture speak volumes to me especially now in the times we live. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I appreciate the artwork you have done!”
Hartford, Wisconsin
The Numbers tell the Story
We watch the evening news. The report says the death toll has risen, the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, and hospitalizations are maxed out.
Once again, can we relate? These are real people. Someone’s husband, wife, father, grandfather, mother, grandmother, in-law, son or daughter. Each had their own dreams and goals and contributions to this world.
And sadly, each passed away from Covid-19. Their contributions extinguished forever. And the numbers keep rising
Imagine if we could do something
Imagine if we could all do something to help slow down the spread of the virus, would we do it?
The good news is, there is something, and it doesn’t require a huge investment of time, energy or money. And it isn’t political.
All we need to do is wear a mask in public buildings, practice social distancing inside and out, and wash hands often. And then after getting the vaccine, continue wearing a mask until we get the “all clear” sign.
We are all in this together. Wouldn’t you agree we can all help each other live through the pandemic and see the other side?
For Whom the Bells Tolls
While on my hike this morning, this phrase came to mind. Although I thought it came from Earnest Hemmingway, its origin is with English poet John Donne (1572 - 1631).
I find the poem very fitting during this time. Each Covid-19 death washes away, forever, that person’s future contributions to society. And when you hear the bell toll at a funeral, for whom does the bell toll?
For Whom the Bell Tolls
by
John Donne
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.