Back in August I saved this quote from Frank Bruni’s NY TIMES column. He was actually quoting from Maureen Dowd’s column on Afghanistan from the weekend before:
We didn’t know 9/11 was coming, even though we should have. We didn’t know Jan. 6 was coming, even though we should have. We didn’t know the Potemkin government in Afghanistan that we’d propped up for two decades would fall in two seconds, even though we should have. What else don’t we know?
I have thought a lot about this question: What else don’t we know? I think the list is rather lengthy, both on a global scale and on a personal scale. What don’t we know?
One summer of my childhood, a summer which seemed like it would last forever, I decided to read my way through the World Book Encyclopedia. I know that encyclopedias are not the chosen resource these days, but as a child I was absolutely thrilled that my mother bought a set for our home bookshelves. I thought that everything I would ever need to know was right there. I don’t think I made it through all the volumes, but I did read about many and diverse topics that summer. I found out there was much I did not know, yet I felt like I was on the path to ultimate knowledge.
Today, even as someone who has read widely and has multiple degree letters to link after my name, I realize more and more how little I really know. Having reached my seventh decade of life, I do think I know a few things, but there is still so much I do not know. There are times when I have to trust others that they are more qualified in certain areas of research and information and I have to listen to and heed their advice.
Of course, there are things that none of us know. We don’t know when—if—we will see the end to the covid-19 virus that is still running rampant. Okay, not AS rampant as it was in some months past but it is still with us. We have many theories and hopes but we still have people getting sick, suffering and dying. We have to ask ourselves why this is true? I admit I feel enormous frustration with those who think their own research excels over the research and knowledge of scientists and physicians who have been working tirelessly to conquer this virus. A vaccine is not an absolute guarantee. but it may be the one action that protects one from dying or causing the death of another person. Arrogance seems to be the evil twin of ignorance these days.
We recently heard from a dear friend that he, his brother and their father all contracted covid. All three had been vaccinated and boosted and were being careful in their interactions with other people. My heart sank when I heard his news. How is this possible? They were vaccinated. They got the booster shot. They don’t go out, except his dad did have to have treatment in the hospital (before being diagnosed with covid) for a kidney stone. Did he catch this dreadful virus at the hospital? From someone in the waiting room? From a hospital staff member who refused to get vaccinated? Or was it simply someone who stood too close and unmasked as he waited in the line at the grocery store?
We don’t know. We just don’t know. We still don’t know everything about how the virus spreads. And not knowing makes us anxious. At least, it makes me anxious. Last night Tom remarked to me, “Remember when we would just go out to eat, sit in a crowded dining room, and never have a thought about it?” Yes. I do remember what that was like. I miss those carefree times. But missing them does not mean I can pretend that times are the same. I do not believe we will ever return to the mythical “normal” we hear tossed about.
Do I enjoy wearing a mask? No. Do I enjoy being healthy? Yes. Do I enjoy eating my barbecue sandwich in our car rather than inside a restaurant? No. Do I believe that wearing a mask helps deter the spread of the virus? Yes. Do I believe everyone should be vaccinated? Yes.
I still feel there is way too much we do not know about this tricky and virulent virus. I want to protect myself but I also want to protect others.
This morning, on CBS Sunday Morning, there was a segment about the corona virus situation in Portugal where 98% of the people are vaccinated. Their infection rate and number of deaths from covid-19 are miniscule. Many people there still choose to wear masks, even outdoors. The official who has been in charge of the vaccination program in Portugal said that people there simply care more about community than politics. Imagine that.
I wish that were true here in the United States. Currently it is not. I am aware there are no guarantees. I am vaccinated and I am careful but there is still so much we do not know. I wish it was as simple as pulling the “C” volume of the World Book Encyclopedia off the shelf, flipping over to the entry on “covid” and having all the answers.
It’s not that easy. We don’t have all the answers but we do have a great deal of well-researched knowledge about this deadly virus and how to contain it, maybe even end it. And yet almost 50% of our country chooses to ignore the facts. They believe that it is their choice, that their choice only affects them. I just hope one day we, too, might be known as the country that cares more about community, more about one another, than we care about politics. How much longer will we allow this division to kill us?
Thanks Jeanne. This is a great reminder for me to continue to be vigilant. I have received the vaccines and booster and notice I forget to wash my hands upon returning home from the grocery and other little things I was vigilant about when this pandemic hit us all with such force. It is easy to become lazy now and less aware. I am with you on all you said and appreciate how you said it with such sincere earnest versus anger and blame. Humanity, nature and our beloved planet Earth are living in tumultuous evolutionary times, challenging us all to return to the importance of community, kindness, “loving our neighbor,” respecting nature and the gift of life as we know it.
Peace, Anna
Excellent blog today. So many things we should know but don't. I remember loving to read the World Book as a youngster.