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I visited my mom recently. She is living alone in Barrie. All she spoke about is the terrible news of deaths in Barrie and in the region, elderly neighbours living in fear, afraid of COVID-19, the uncertainty and the roller coaster of rules applied to them and their lifestyles.
My mother has not been hugged for so very long. She fears this pandemic and how it can take the lives of those she loves, her neighbours and friends.
She has no idea when she can be vaccinated, so she will live as she has for the time being.
The government has given her little hope. Some of her friends have died in the hospital without receiving a hug, kiss or loving touch from their loved ones. She does not want to die like that.
We talk about how this pandemic will change us in the future. With high emotions, stress and depression setting into us all, be positive right?
I am 61-years-old and super active, but I fear for my loved ones and hope their health and sanity is maintained.
My mom talks about "the superheroes" that care for us: the caregivers, nurses and doctors. What will we do when they burn out? Who will replace them? How have their lives been affected?
We are all dealing with fear. Fear of attack, illness and death, whether that be our health or economic well-being. Fear is about us, within us, transforming the community. What will 2021 look like?
My mother's name is Pearl. She is a very strong personality and courageous example of most of our senior citizens. When will she lose her sense of hope?
I will be going to see her and I will go into her home and hug her. Why not?
Those politicians who travelled abroad, while proclaiming that we must control ourselves and mask, wash hands and separate for the benefit of all; hypocrisy at its best. It appears there are rules for the rich and rules for the working person.
When I look into my mother's eyes, right after speaking about current events, what do I see in those eyes of hers? Uncertainty, anger, fear and a yearning for hope. It is my job to give that hope to her, not some governmental agency, me! I may move in with her, alone she should not be, yet send her to a senior's home? Never.
Dealing with this fear factor, I am optimistic, and I must remain this way for others like my mother.
Courage, patience, strength and charity to you all.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
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