There was a time, not too long ago, when I could have an
asthma attack in public and strangers would approach me asking if I was okay
or if I needed help.
There was a time, not too long ago, when I could pull out my
handkerchief in public and no one would pay attention to me.
Times have changed dramatically.
During my last public asthma attack, people moved away from me
in alarm! It was kind of funny because I was sitting in my car. I’d just
finished a trip to the store but had to stop to take my inhaler before I could
start my car and leave.
I mean really, my windows were closed! And yes, I was
coughing, but I also had my inhaler in my hand.
Though it isn’t as funny when I pull my handkerchief out in
public, my word you would think I pulled out a gun or a grenade! People moving
further away while others give me dirty looks.
Come on people! I have asthma and hay fever! I don’t have a
temp or sore throat or anything. Besides all that, I just had my checkup. I promise none of my medical issues are contagious.
If I were sick, I’d have found someone to run to the store
for me. I wouldn’t want anyone to catch this virus from me, but I’m not sick and I
haven’t been exposed as far as I know.
Of course, that isn’t going to stop people from complaining
on Facebook. I see someone else complaining almost daily, about other people
being out and about and/or not wearing a mask, or wearing them wrong.
Just the other day I saw a post by someone I personally know
complaining about how many people were at Walmart and Lowes that day. He
griped about them spending their stimulus money on frivolous things and it was
supposed to be for bills, and he griped about how many people weren’t even wearing
masks.
Okay, let’s boil this down. How does he know they’re
spending their stimulus money? How does he even know all of them have received their
stimulus money? I haven’t yet and I don’t think I’m the only one.
Besides, how does he know those people weren’t among the “essential
workers” who had just received his regular paycheck. And there is
also the possibility that someone just got their tax return. Slim, but it could
happen.
As far as the lack of mask and gloves go. First, there is
a major shortage of such things, and second, it could be that some of those people have
asthma. I for one find those things hard to breathe under, and I’d rather not wear
them.
The thing is, no one person can know what is going on in the
minds of someone else. I mean did it ever occur to you that among all those
other people is someone thinking the same thing about you?
Every time I see these posts, I want to yell, “But
you were out too!”
Then there are the people who complain about the people
driving past their house when everyone should be staying home!
Excuse me, but the “essential
workers” can’t stay home, and as far as I know, we are allowed to go shopping
for necessities, why else would the stores still be open?
Just because they are driving past doesn’t mean you know
where they are going or what they are doing. Because you don’t!
I’ve also seen people complaining about their neighbors
working or playing in their own backyards! Come on folks, the order is to stay
home! Since when is the yard not part of the home?
Though I guess some people think that is a very bad thing, I
saw a news article about some state governor (somewhere back East) who was
threatening to use drones to make sure everyone was staying inside, and where
not in their own yards!
If I were the swearing type, I’d be swearing right now. That’s
just wrong! Especially since I read somewhere something about a doctor saying
getting outside for some exercise and sunshine would be good for everyone
during this time, as long as they maintained safe distances from everyone else.
But the most important thing I’m trying to say is, well, Matthew
7:1-2.
Maybe some of you aren’t Christian and don’t know this little
piece of wisdom, but I am, and I know it is true. So here it is:
“1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and
with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
But really, you can’t know what someone else is doing or
thinking, so be kind!
Happy writing everyone.