How many of you wanted to be at the front of the line when you were a child? There were always kids clamoring to be at the front of the line. Pushing sometimes. Other times shoving. To me, it symbolized the utmost selfishness. But, in today’s reality, those at the front of the line are selfless. They are trying to keep us safe and healthy in spite of their own worries.
They are pushing us out of the way – they are shoving us to the back of the line. Being at the back of the line may get us proper diagnosis and treatment. Being pushed to the back of the line may delay the inevitable to a time where there will be adequate supplies, staffing and a known and tested treatment. They are shoving us to the back of the line with hope and humor.
I spoke with my Nurse Practitioner, Jarod, on the phone this week. I wanted to know where I fell on the overreacting scale. I asked Jarod, “If I go out of my home, should I undress before I come into my home?” His response was, “Absolutely! I actually undress completely in my driveway before I come into my house.” My expression of shock had to have been transmitted through the telephone lines. I believed him until he started to laugh. Our shared laughter helped ease my worry. Of course, they are worried. But, they are selfless in spite of being human. The people at the front of the line are doing what they are trained to do. All we have to do is listen to and not be selfish. Listen. Remain hopeful. Remain steadfast. Keep your chin high and your optimism higher as you cheer for those at the front of the line!
"The value of our lives is not determined by what we do for ourselves. The value of our lives is determined by what we do for others." - Simon Sinek