Over the past several months, people have asked for my opinion on rules and regulations pertaining to COVID-19. It’s funny how folks that ask for your opinion don’t necessarily accept your opinion if they don't share it. It truly makes me wonder why people ask if they are so sure that they already know the answer.
Do I think masks stop the spread of COVID-19? I have no idea. Do I believe we need another lockdown? Again, I have no idea. I also don’t believe most folks outside of the health care system know either.
I couldn’t tell you how to fix a car engine. I’m not educated in the workings of a combustible engine. Therefore, I look to an expert, my mechanic, to tell me what’s wrong and how to prevent further damage. Likewise, I am not educated in disease control, viruses or contagions. Therefore, I look to health experts for guidance. Right now, nobody is allowed in my family doctor’s office that isn’t wearing a mask. He’s been my doctor for twenty-five years. I’m not listening to governments. I’m listening to my doctor, who also leads by example.
I learned two very important lessons from my mother as I became a young man. The first was about delayed gratification. She’s the one that taught me it's better to save for something than to go into debt so I can have it right away. Perhaps my friends had the best stereo or a new car months before I did. But when I eventually got a stereo or car, I had no debt. My friends were still paying for theirs. I can still hear my mom’s voice in my head, “Good things come to those who wait and the wait makes those good things that much sweeter.”
The second lesson was to heed warnings, read between the lines when someone tells you something and actually pay attention to possible consequences. For instance, she might have suggested that I study a little more. If my grades slipped a bit, she might then tell me to study more. If my grades still didn’t meet her expectations, she would then cut off my social life until my grades became acceptable.
Let’s look at these COVID-19 restrictions through the same lens my mother used. We were asked to exercise caution and it was suggested we increase our hand washing and wear face masks. These suggestions were made by health care professionals – educated experts in disease, viruses and contagions. The number of cases increased, so we were told that masks are now mandatory. The numbers remain high, so now we have had our social lives – family gatherings, team sports and outings – taken away. Do I like it? No. Do I want to stomp my feet and yell about how it's not fair? Yes. But that’s where my mom’s first lesson comes into play.
We must practise delayed gratification. I want to go to football games again. I want to go to concerts again. I want to celebrate birthdays, holidays and milestones in large groups with family and friends. I hate not being able to do all of these things today. But if we follow the current guidelines, heed the advice and act on the suggestions of health care experts, we will be able to resume those social activities again.
When this pandemic eventually ends, all of the privileges we’ve enjoyed in the past will be returned to us. I don’t like having to wait, but I know when we eventually return to normal, life is going to seem that much sweeter.
