2020 is drawing to a close, and many of us are happy to see it go. It’s been a weird, difficult time. We came into the year with Australia burning off the global map. We only had a moment to worry about that before Covid took center stage, changing the lives of people around the world. There have been protests, there have been riots, ( we all learned about the Tiger King), I think 2 royals decided they wanted to live as “commoners”, we had a presidential race that was nothing short of insane, and WHAT ABOUT THE MURDER HORNETS????
There has been a tremendous amount of loss and sadness. We have experienced the growing pains felt across the nation as our country takes baby steps towards further equality. There is fear and uncertainty about the future…but there is also hope and (dare I say) some truly positive things that have happened this year.
Please put down your tar and feathers, I’m not trying to paint a rosy tint to this year, but there is no denying we have reconnected with our family and friends: sometimes virtually, sometimes from eliminating the commute as we work from home (sometimes forced). We did the projects we have been putting off. Maybe we learned a new skill (shout out to all the bakers out there). All I am saying is, there were some good moments.
I realize I can write the above paragraph because, so far, I’m doing ok. My lights are on. I’m warm. I’m not worried about whether I’ll be able to eat next week. And, THANK THE LORD, I have enough toilet paper (seriously people, what was that?). I am extremely grateful to be in the position I am in. But I realize, this is not the reality of everyone.
We are dragging ourselves into the 12th month of 2020. The 10th (?) month of pseudo-quarantine. Businesses are hurting. People are hungry and lonely and worried. And, now, amongst the worsening surge of cases, we are having the holidays. Whether secular or religious, most people acknowledge a holiday in December, (be it Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or just second turkey and mashed potato day), with food and gifts.
At Action Medicine, we are aware that this additional strain on the budget may be too much. We want to do what we can. We have set up a little pantry outside our office 2nd fl lobby. You can take what you need or leave what you can. We accept dry goods, nonperishable items, paper products, personal hygiene, etc.
If you are interested, but limited in transportation, please message us privately, or call us. We will arrange for you to get what you need.
Hang in there guys. Hope is on the way.
Let’s just do what we can for now to help one another have the best holiday we can under our current circumstances.
Thank you!
Brooke Rieth, NP Dr. Mike & Action Medicine team
