We are going through a difficult period in our lives. For a few months now, a single theme has dominated the world today. An invisible creature, the corona virus haunts our society with serious consequences. In my circle of acquaintances, several people have had to deal with the disease. The father of my neighbour has succumbed after almost 3 weeks of artificial respiration and has been silently buried. The father-in-law of my daughter also entered intensive care, but was cured. The husband of a colleague of my wife also ended up in the clinic, but after a painful period he is better off. The daughter of a friend of mine also had the disease, but had fewer symptoms and has been cured. Corona is very close to us. I admire the courage and dedication of my neighbour, who works as a nurse in the corona ward of the hospital in Lier and has been literally looking death in the eye for several weeks now and has to be very careful not to get infected herself. My wife Anita also continues to work in the healthcare sector, albeit in a less risky environment and of course with a face mask, gloves, disinfectant gel and a protective hood. We notice that in such periods people
rise above themselves and continue to do what is necessary. They are shining examples of love for one’s fellow man.
The measures taken by the public authorities on the advice of virologists came not a moment too soon. We all realize that they are necessary. Previously, the recommendation in our Meeting not to give each other hands at the end of the silence was a wise decision. Fortunately, in my opinion, no Friends have contracted the disease.
Initially, the number of infections increased rapidly, but the strict regulations made it possible to limit the spread of the disease. For some people the lockdown started a difficult period. Day in and day out between 4 walls can be depressing and can bring tension and stress. I can speak of it from my time in prison as a conscientious objector. For a lot of people in a small apartment it almost seems as if they are also in a prison. However, knowing that isolation will pass by gives hope and perspective to people in prison. Being able to wait patiently is a gift in such situations, I also learned that in my cell measuring 2.5 x 4 meters. Also the “corona storm” will blow over. A little necessary confinement and solitude can deepen our lives and teach us the essence of existence. Simplicity and peace are ultimately positive qualities that so many people lack and rediscover in these circumstances. In the gospel we read that Jesus repeatedly went to isolated places to seek the Light in silence. Reflection is part of the search for the meaning of life.
Also with Friends, the corona- crisis can leave its marks. Quakers are not immune to corona, nor to the consequences and frustrations of a long period of social and economic stagnation and isolation. Those who fall out of work can end up in a tight financial situation. The lack of social daily contact with family, (grand)children, (grand)parents and friends will be hard on many others. Nevertheless, we can treat ourselves and possible housemates with upbeat activities, e.g. a walk or bike ride. There are so many interesting books to read. We might be able to refine our cooking skills by preparing new and healthy recipes. With a phone call, card, message or letter we can also surprise each other, because not everyone is familiar with the internet. We might learn to feel ourselves and others a little more “at home” in our own ‘kot’.
We can pull ourselves up to the resilience that our world is showing. People are inventively working to prevent the transmission of the virus in the next steps to restore normality in public life. Plexi dividers, face masks, disinfectants and keeping our distance will help us to do this. People are feverishly searching for vaccines and effective medication, they are already testing them out and the expectation is that there will be results in the near future.
The electronic options are now being more widely used in order to keep in touch with each other. I myself learned new ways of communicating such as ‘Zoom’. In this way we are wrestling through these confined times. In this way we can learn and use positive solutions. We are continuing our Meetings, more intensively than before. Via Zoom we are able to attend a silent meeting four times a week. Some Friends can now attend a Meeting with just a few mouse clicks and no travel time is lost. It is great to feel connected and to be able to see and speak to each other after the meeting. I can only encourage each of us as a member or connected person to attend digital meetings.
This can be done every Sunday from 10:30 am to 11:15 am, with the opportunity to stay a little longer. The midweek meeting takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 19:30 to 20:00, with the opportunity to have a chat afterwards.
Maybe some of you would like to share your experience and dealings with corona. we would welcome your contributions.
6 May 2020, Jan Peeters, BLYM Elder, translated with https://www.deepl.com/ and edited by R Rzewnicki