Together, We Can Get Through This Trying Time

Over the last few weeks—and especially the last few days—we have all experienced things that we never imagined would be a part of our lives. Local, state, and national leaders have taken unprecedented action in efforts to keep our country as safe as possible from the threat presented by the novel coronavirus strain (COVID-19) that has spread around the world.

Just a couple weeks ago, we were all going to work and school like normal. We were seeing increased encouragement to wash our hands and avoid touching our faces, but life went on. Today, most of us are inside. School has been canceled, most businesses are closed, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued a “shelter-in-place” order to help prevent the spread of the virus.

With so much going on, it is easy to get discouraged and to focus on the fear that many us are experiencing. While things might look bleak, we can and we will get through this difficult time, and we will do it by coming together.

A Little Perspective

Throughout our great nation’s 244-year history, we have seen many tough times. In the last century alone, we have experienced the trials of the Great Depression, the horrors of the Second World War, the terror attacks on 9/11/2001, and a number of large-scale natural disasters.

Think about it. Just over 100 years ago, the Spanish flu claimed millions of lives worldwide—including about as many American soldiers in 1918 alone as American soldiers killed in all of World War I. Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents struggled to simply keep a roof over their heads; the idea of hoarding things like toilet paper would have been unimaginable. Getting through each of these situations was only possible by uniting, making sacrifices, and believing that better times would soon follow.

The same is true now. Things will be hard for a little while—and nobody is quite sure for how long yet. But, there is no doubt that the resiliency of the human spirit will prevail—not to mention the advances in modern medicine brought about by human ingenuity. We will overcome this, and we will be better for it on the other side. Already, we have seen countless examples of neighbors helping neighbors and strangers looking out for one another. Families who haven’t spent quality time together in months—if not longer—are supporting each other as they practice the recommended “social distancing.” People are largely putting aside their political differences and coming together as one American family, as we work our way through virtually uncharted territory.

Look Ahead and Be Hopeful

We at the Gierach Law Firm are just as affected by this situation as anyone else. At some point, the restrictions on individuals and businesses will be lifted, and we will resume some sense of normalcy. In the meantime, we encourage you to enjoy the time at home with your children and your loved ones. Play games, do crafts, eat junk food, and be a little silly! Allow your children to create memories filled with laughter and fun rather than the doom and gloom being reported on the news.

If you are a business owner or you are able to work from home, spend some of this time thinking about how to market your business when things open back up. Or maybe, you can find ways to give back to the friends and neighbors who are your customers while they are stuck at home. Many locally-owned restaurants, for example, are offering discounts or promotions on take-out meals and gift certificates. Most importantly, have faith that things will soon be back to normal.

Be Safe and Healthy

From all of us at the Gierach Law Firm, we want you to know that we are keeping you, our friends and neighbors, in our thoughts and prayers. We believe in the tenacity of the American spirit, and we are already looking forward to better days ahead. Our country and our world will overcome this challenge together!

Source:

Chicago Tribune