We Used to Have Road Rage - Now We Have "Stay At Home" Rage

Ok Friends - Missouri Governor Parson has officially announced a Stay-At-Home-Missouri Order for the State of Missouri from Monday, April 6 - Friday, April 24, 2020.

Some like this idea and others disagree.  So what else is new, right?

This means all citizens are directed to stay home unless they are taking part in essential services and activities...and more. We can find all of Missouri Statewide orders on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Serviceswebsite.

So the rants have begun!

 

Kind of reminds me of road rage many years ago. Now we have "stay at home rage."

You see someone outside walking on the park trails or driving. Within seconds, it makes you angry. You honk at them - wave your fist - shout something...

Because this is a time of anxiety for all of us, right?

I get it!

So what are those essential services and activities?

Can we still go outside?

What does this really mean?

Before we rush to judgment, maybe we should take a few minutes to understand what this order requires and the exceptions to a stay-at-home order. You will be surprised!

The advisory guidance on critical workforce infrastructure is easily read at the Homeland Security Website.

And yes, people can engage in outdoor recreation as long as they practice the required social distancing. That is one of the keys, social distancing!

People will still need to shop for groceries (unless you're one of those who has already emptied the shelves). We will need to gas our cars, go to doctor's appointments (Yes, many still have other medical issues, like seasonal allergies, ugh). Take it from this allergy victim, this is not a good time to go to a doctor's office or medical clinic and tell them you have tightness in your chest and a cough!

Of course, let's not forget there will always be those who don't really care if an order was issued or not. Remember, there is a reason we have laws for just about everything!

Let's try to avoid "Stay at Home Rage" and work together!

Understanding is one of the keystones of staying calm.  We will get through this challenge as a community! When you see someone outside implementing good social distancing or driving in their car, let's give them the benefit of the doubt. Let's try to make ourselves about the four agreements...

The Four Agreements are...

• Be impeccable with your words.
• Don't take anything personally.
• Don't make assumptions.
• Always do your best.

Just My Two Cents...

Lessons From the Greatest Generation

JUST MY TWO CENTS….

Being almost seven decades old and having served in the military and law enforcement for almost 30 years, I'm getting asked more frequently today, “what are your thoughts about this global crisis?”

Since you asked...

From the question, I have learned many are really wondering about how scared should they be during these unprecedented times.  They are wondering if we can get through this global pandemic. How resilient are we as a nation? What can or should we do?

Have you ever spoken to a person who lived through The Great Depression?  How about World War II?

Perhaps it's time for us to sit down and have a chat with those in our world who have experienced difficult and challenging times long before many of us were born. 

I'm talking about the Greatest Generation. A generation that persevered through the Great Depression and World War II. A generation that witnessed some of the most dramatic changes in American history. Their perseverance through difficult times has been called a “testament to their extraordinary character”. This generation is often credited with much of the freedom and affluence that Americans enjoy today.

Many of the Greatest Generation watched young men between the ages of 18 and 26 go off to war in countries on the other side of their world. There were no cell phones, internet or nightly news broadcasts to keep them informed. Often, family members were gone for several years.

At the same time, those remaining behind stepped up and took jobs in the workforce, doing whatever was necessary to keep their families and neighborhoods safe and healthy. Many families only had gas and food ration cards to allow them to get by day-to-day.

Instead of being concerned about protecting themselves, young and old came together as a nation to ensure we all succeeded.

Our older family members and friends can share stories with us about the importance of staying calm, supporting the community, and taking care of others.  The Greatest Generation can give us the courage to know we will come out on the other side of this global challenge. They know we will not only persevere together, but we will be stronger, wiser and better prepared because of the experience.

We know there will be sacrifices and losses along the way. But, nothing like they witnessed. They would tell us we all need to put this pandemic in perspective and understand that our leaders are simply asking us to be patient and calm and to stay away from others,  to allow our leadership and the medical community the necessary time to equip and prepare.

Since we are spending more time in our homes, It's also a great time. To read Tom Brokaw's book, “The Greatest Generation”, or any other books which share stories of commitment, courage, and perseverance of Americans at one of their most difficult times. It will give you the strength to know “we’ve got this.”

This is not time not to hoard food and supplies, but to gather facts and use our common sense. We need to understand what each of us is supposed to do to be a value to our community.

Let us not underestimate the courage and dedication of our medical professionals, emergency services workers, firefighters, police and scientists who have no choice, but to serve at a time when they know their safety may be at risk.

 Sadly, many of the Greatest Generation are now gone.  But, if your grandparents or great-grandparents are still living, give them a call.  Ask them about how America worked as a nation together. If not, talk to someone else's grandparents or great grandparents. Right now, they would probably love the opportunity to share their wisdom and counsel, and to simply…. hear from you.

Just My Two Cents….