What's Missing

Here we are seven months into the COVID-19 crisis.  Who could have imagined that we would still be living in this new reality?  The good news is that Cuyahoga County moved from level 3 down to level 2 last month.  Although that is great news, I really do not feel that I am much closer to returning to what used to be my “normal life”. 

What is “normal” life and what is missing in my “covid-19” life.  As of August 18th, I am missing my Grandmother.  Sadly, she died from Covid.  I know many of us are missing grandparents, parents, children, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.  As I write this article, deaths in the United States have topped 175,000.  These losses are heartbreaking and tragic. 

As a Pastor, I have known that life is not about things.  I have been surrounded by my things for months now.  Although they may make life a little easier, they do not take the place of what is really missing.  I miss handshakes and hugs with my parishioners. 

I miss being close to people I love but do not live with.  Today expressing love to people you do not live with means wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing.  After months of living this way, I am still not use to it, and I do not like doing it, but I do understand why it is necessary.

As a Councilman and neighbor, I miss the gatherings that would normally take place during the summer.  I miss the 200th Street Stroll and the Summer Concerts.  I miss our Ward 2 Picnic and Bike the Ward.  One of my favorite summertime events was Wednesday on the Porch.

On Thursday August 6, 2020 one of my neighbors organized a social distancing meet on your driveway.  Our neighbors came out from everywhere.  It was as though we had all been locked up and finally came out for daylight.  We were happy to see each other, and careful to protect each other’s distance as best possible.  Before the night was over, we all committed to doing it again next month. 

I would encourage you to try and do something to connect with your neighbors.  I urge you to stay safe and stay connected.

Brian Moore

Vice President of Moore Counseling and Mediation Services, Inc., Councilman for Euclid Ward 2 and Associate Minister at Lake Shore Christian Church.  I can be reached at bmoore@cityofeuclid.com

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 4:04 PM, 09.03.2020