Merry Christmas!

Christmas; a time of gathering of loved ones and celebration of family. Not this year though, Covid has put a stop to that. This photo was taken two years ago as 2018 was coming to a close. My son, Joshua, and Chanelle were newlyweds. My wife, Kathryn, is holding Murphy who was still a puppy. Leanne, my daughter, had recently graduated with a four-year degree. And I am there too. Our family, as imperfect as it is, together.

Here in British Columbia, we have been asked to isolate. Not desirable but wise. I read a great statement the other day. "We isolate now so that, when we gather together later, no one is missing." Keeping apart means keeping safe. Covid relies on proximity to transmit. The fact that it takes over a week for symptoms to show means you could be carrying the virus and transmitting it to others without knowing it. Most of us don't have it though, but it doesn't matter. The mortality rate is highest among seniors and those with compromised health; 95% of the people in Canada that have died from having the virus are 60 years old and older.

Looking at this from a different point of view helps me understand the situation. Consider the morbid game Russian Roulette. Alter the parameters such that there is a one-percent chance of inflicting death with each visit that is made. You get to spend time with your loved ones, but each must "play the game." At the end of your visit, the gun is pointed and the trigger pressed. "Thank goodness you're still here," you say when nothing happens. Everyone goes their separate ways being thankful that no one died.

I think that if we looked at this whole thing understanding the potential consequences of our choices we would welcome the opportunity to isolate. "I am not coming over because I love you." I do not wish to be the one with the pistol in hand feigning love and then pressing the trigger at the end. Is that really love?

Some would say this is a far-fetched analogy that has no bearing on the true nature of things. For the nay-sayers, consider what it is that you are doing. If Christmas is truly a celebration of family and loved ones then your greatest gift would be your absence. A condtradiction to be sure, but one that echos truth. If you had to place the gun in your hand and go through the horrific act you would completely understand the risks involved.

Show the love you have for others. Stay home. Your time will come, and then everyone can celebrate in safety. The gun has been destroyed.

Thanks for reading.     Ericspix     Eric Svendsen

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