Invisible hands versus a single finger

| 14 Sep 2020 | 03:41

    Last Friday I read about a small group of Monroe-Woodbury senior students who staged an impromptu celebration/protest on the campus of the high school.

    That very same day I also watched an interview about two young college students in their twenties who created a movement called “Invisible Hands.” It was founded as an answer to help local senior citizens struggling with difficulties in their NYC apartments navigating elevators, narrow hallways and store restrictions during the pandemic in order to get their groceries and medications — the basics of life.

    The movement has grown to include 1,300 volunteers.

    “Invisible Hands” was created to offer a helping hand, unlike the group of seniors at Monroe-Woodbury High School who offered just their finger as a selfish and vulgar gesture.

    I can certainly understand and appreciate the frustration that some may feel during these difficult and complicated times, but I am also delighted and inspired by those who seek out other ways to answer needs with unselfish, gracious and loving acts.

    I have a friend who recovered from COVID-19 months ago only to be plagued with continued debilitating symptoms.

    I also have another friend who lost both her brother and a nephew (his son) within days of each other from this deadly virus.

    Whatever some may say about the pandemic, there are very real victims whose lives have been either drastically altered ... or sadly ended.

    I recently finished reading Erik Larsen’s book “The Splendid and the Vile” about England’s existential crisis the year before America entered WWII as their ally in 1941. England was facing unquestionable challenges with constant bombings resulting in enormous destruction with nearly 30,000 deaths and many more injuries.

    The English strongly resisted and fought back in what was certainly a herculean effort. After continued nights of bombings, residents would dress after a sleepless night and shoulder forward through the next day. “Keep Calm and Carry On” would become the emblematic motto that would best define this greatest generation’s defiance in the face of unparalleled deadly forces.

    Let me end this with lyrics from the song “You Are The New Day” by John David:

    Hope is my philosophy,

    just needs days in which to be,

    love of life means hope for me,

    borne on a new day.

    You are the new day.

    Viktor Prizgintas

    Central Valley