May we be okay in May
We seem to be getting past first base. As in flattening the curve from the 100 mile an hour fastball that COVID-19 threw at the world. Doug Ford, the province’s stand-up, no-nonsense premier, has lauded Ontario residents for stepping up to the plate when called upon. And in Sault Ste. Marie, team work has been evident.
To be sure, there is a long way to go before victory can be declared.
It will take time before sports and recreation will resume. It will take time before business becomes business as usual.
In the meantime, the aforementioned Doug Ford has proven to be a good choice as the Premier of Ontario. Even those who weren’t in his corner before the coronavirus struck are now applauding — and very much appreciating — the steady hand of his firm leadership.
Locally, many businesses continue to try to weather the storm that COVID-19 caused. Depending on the business, some are open, some are open in a reduced manner and some have closed and are waiting to re-open.
One thing that I have noticed is that, for the most part, people are being more courteous and friendly towards one another, as in a ‘we are in this together’ frame of mind.
For example, I can’t count the number of times I have encountered a person who I do not know — be it at a gas station, outside a bank machine, or just out walking — and have them nod, smile and tell me to ‘stay healthy and be safe.’
The new normal may not be the same as the old normal once restrictions are lifted and it is back to business. But maybe, just maybe, our world — in this case, the Sault — may become a kinder, more gentle place.
Meanwhile, with the month of May now here and almost seven weeks of restrictions and social distancing being adhered to, we should remind ourselves to continue to be more careful and aware than ever before.
As for sports and what it means to so many of us — players, coaches, managers, supporters, spectators, advertisers, writers and broadcasters — we can only hope and pray that its return is sooner than later.
So much of so many lives revolves in and around sports, in one way, shape or form.
Will there be recreational soccer for the kids?
Will Canada’s — and the Sault’s — favourite sport, hockey, return on time for another season?
And downtown, uptown and all around, we hope that no one loses a livelihood or a business — and that any help is good help and should always be taken with appreciation.