The Bright Side

On the Frontline

On March 13th I received a call from the co-ordinator at the nursing care center, where the multiple stroke survivor I care for is a resident. The call was to inform people with relatives and loved ones that the building was closing its doors to all visitors, for the foreseeable future, no matter the circumstances. With one hundred and sixty “at risk” and elderly residents they could no longer take the gamble of a visitor inadvertently bringing the virus in from the outside.

I’d been anticipating this news, of course, with contingency plans already in place to help combat the coming isolation: FaceTime, food deliveries and Netflix. But what to do about the weekly pile of laundry? It seemed like such a small thing to worry about at such a time but it still mattered.

By text I co-ordinated a “drive through” laundry hand-over with one of the Nursing Assistants. As I pulled up she appeared at the main door (which is covered with bright orange “Stop” stickers) in protective clothing from head to toe with “matching” mask and gloves. Her “hazmat” suit just happens to be the same color as the brilliant blue March sky.

As I handed off the clean laundry through the car window I could see that her smile was broad from the creases at the corners of her eyes. She can obviously detect how worried I am. Our history is a long one. She’s always been there for me.

“Don’t worry my dear. We’re all fine; he’s fine…” Her Jamaican lilt is soothing to my ears and balm for my soul, “It’s all going to be fine. We’re in this together and we are in God’s hands…”

As I drive away it occurs to me that all over the world scenes like this are unfolding. All across the globe there are unsung heroes on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic illuminating the darkness and showing us the way. For that let’s all give thanks.