Number 151 in a Series
Cap’n Greg misses Rocky Point
He misses his friends and shopkeepers and
restaurant owners and bartenders. He misses the waves—whether ripples or
breakers – that have been caressing and pounding the beaches there for
millennia. He misses the pelicans and gulls and sea eagles that entertain with
their very existence. He misses the whales and dolphins. He misses the food.
The pandemic has illustrated very clearly how fragile life can be. We have seen
how the stealthy virus can devastate the poor and already sick among us, as
well as those who are better off but may not take personal responsibility
seriously. The good news is many Peñasco church and civic groups have
selflessly offered aid to those less fortunate, and those who have become
unemployed through no fault of their own.
Eventually, things will return to a new normal. Waiters and cooks will be more
aware of health protocols. Customers will gladly follow distancing guidelines,
where necessary, and wear masks in high threat areas like nursing homes,
hospitals, and medical offices. First responders and overburdened medical staff
will continue to protect us, as they take extra care to protect themselves.
Before a vaccine is developed to kill this monster, if your barber or
beautician requests that you wear a mask, do it. If your favorite restaurant
asks that you distance yourself from other diners, do it. If a grocery or
clothing or hardware store asks that you wear a mask to protect at risk
customers or staff, do it. This is not the time for a political statement. It
is the time to treat each other as you yourself would like to be treated: with
respect and empathy.
Cap’n Greg misses Rocky Point. But he is being both patient and optimistic that
the wait will be well worth it, and we will all be stronger for the lessons the
pandemic is teaching us.
Hasta pronto y buena salud. (See you soon, and good health.)
