Same As We Ever Were

Chalk it up to observational bias if you must.  I have lived in New Jersey and a ninety-minute drive from New York City (save for four years shuffling off to be a Buffalo on Colorado's Front Range) my entire life.  Warts and all, this is my favorite part of this country.  More than that, this is my favorite part of the planet.  I was born here.  I raised my children here.  I have lived here my whole life.  I shall die here.  

Before you pull a hammy doing the dance of joy at that last declaration, know that I mean "someday", not today.  

Since the world shut down sixty days or so ago, the Missus and I have watched several television programs whose stated purpose has been to raise money to help Americans who have been gobsmacked by COVID-19.  Men and women who, through no fault of their own, have had the rug pulled out from under them.  Days formerly spent at work, supporting themselves and their families, have turned into days spent on interminably long lines, hoping their Food Bank does not run out of food before it is their turn. 

I must say that far and away the two most compelling fund-raising programs I have watched have been those whose energy has been focused on the people of this region.  Last month, the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund aired the Jersey 4 Jersey Benefit, a one-hour program that featured a number of heavy hitters from our side of the Hudson.  Almost $6 Million was raised.  

Monday night, Tina Fey hosted an hour-long program, sponsored by the Robin Hood Foundation, called "Rise Up New York!", which raised more than $115 Million. I thought it was pitch perfect from beginning to end. 

Perhaps my favorite piece of it, though, was Alicia Keys' performance of "Good Job".  Admittedly, I do not know her music well enough to know - as I listened to it Monday night - whether it is a new song or simply "new to me".  

Frankly, it matters not.  The message is what matters. 

It is just one man's opinion but I think that the single most frightening aspect of our current situation is the uncertainty regarding how it shall end and when.  I believe that the only way to combat the feeling of helplessness inextricably linked to answering those questions "I don't know" is to focus on winning today.  Make it through today and then get up and do it all over again tomorrow.  Do not look too far ahead.  The lack of certainty and of clarity might overwhelm you.  Just keep doing what it is you are doing.

And what it is you are doing is one hell of a good job...

You're the engine that makes all things go
And you're always in disguise, my hero
I see your light in the dark
Smile in my face when we all know it's hard
There's no way to ever pay you back
Bless your heart, know I love you for that
Honest and selfless
I don't know if this helps it but…

-AK