Long days…longer nights.

I guess that’s what stay at home orders do to you. In one of the most surreal periods of time in the history of my life, we are under a period of extreme isolation. We are all faced with “social distancing” and it is anything but fun. Pandemics like the one we’re facing with COVID-19 are terrifying. I’ll admit, even I have lost some sleep (and probably more hair) sitting and thinking about all the devastating effects this virus has already caused and certainly the ones it will leave behind.

Unfortunately, things are going to get worse before they get better. The curve will eventually be flattened, but it’s going to just take some time. We need to make sure we’re following the guidelines by staying inside, staying away from people, working from home if we can, going out only for necessary items, and practicing good hygiene. We all want to get back to reality sooner rather than later, but we’re not going to get there sooner if we’re all not doing our part now.

There are so many people right now that are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m praying for those who have contracted the virus and are fighting to get healthy, those who have loved ones that are ill or who have contracted the virus, and families who have already lost a loved one. I’m praying for those with anxiety/depression that are having a tough time battling to overcome right now because of the circumstances. I’m praying for all of those who have lost their jobs, been laid off, or have taken a pay cut due to the virus and are concerned about their futures. And I’m praying for those families who are less fortunate and rely on assistance to feed and house their families. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Front Line Workers

Along with being in my thoughts for their safety, I’d also like to take the time to recognize our heroes in this crisis. I want to personally thank all of our retail and foodservice workers, our first responders, our doctors/nurses/medical staffers, and all of our essential personnel who are braving the front lines and putting their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe and make sure we have the goods and services we all need to survive. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

There are other heroes too that are walking among us. I want to take just a quick minute to thank you all also. Thank you, teachers, for going above and beyond for your students (I know a lot of parents right now who think every teacher should be a millionaire), thank you, parents, for stepping up and helping your families and children during this time. Thank you, volunteers, who are still serving your communities by getting meals or groceries for the elderly, getting meals to children, and providing your time to do the necessary things to keep us safe. Thank you to the restaurants who are still open and providing meals for take-out or delivery, we appreciate you. Thank you to the local school districts who are still making meals available for their children and the bus drivers who are still delivering these meals. Thank you to all of our public service personnel who are still working in our communities delivering our mail, picking up our trash, fixing our pipes, etc. Also, a special thank you to our local non-profits, soup kitchens, shelters, etc. for stepping up and helping those people in need. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for showing us that not all heroes wear capes. We appreciate you.

Thank you, Laurie

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t thank someone else. I want to thank my girlfriend, Laurie, for stepping up and taking care of our little family. She has done all of the grocery shopping, cooked all of our meals, cleaned and sanitized our house, and most importantly, hasn’t disposed of me yet, because trust me, I’m no picnic sometimes. Thank you for all that you do for us, Laurie, we appreciate you! I know each of you have that special someone making your lives a little easier during this stressful period, take time to let them know how much they are appreciated.

From myself and all of my GKT family, we are thinking about you, we are rooting for you, and we are hoping that you are all staying safe. God Bless.