Saturday 25 April 2020

We are the World Blogfest # 36: the togetherness of the common man …




I am in humble admiration of all the health care and essential workers, who are keeping this country going …


… the same goes for all the volunteers, those who are desperate for new jobs in these times and those going above and beyond …



… also those who are complying and thus helping the country stay safe …



"The Common Man" - by
R K Laxman at Symbiosis
Institute, Pune, India
… my thoughts to all those who are grieving, all in distress, all in hurt and all anxious …



The others who are, to me, standing out: are those who are working together to resolve the situation we find ourselves in …




… those with passion, and who are committed to finding the best ways forward … 




… change – it will be … different, yet we can be positive … as long as we support each other and take care of the planet … 


"We're all in this together, brother, sister, you and I"


We are the World Blogfest
In Darkness, Be Light


I know many of you will be posting on the above … in your home areas – and I look forward to reading all the entries …

Stay Safe - Stay Strong

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

41 comments:

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Nicely done, Hilary! YAM xx

Hels said...

I am very impressed with the brave volunteers as well. They know they are taking extra risks, but they feel morally obliged to help struggling families. Well done!

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you.
I am endlessly grateful to those who keep working (often at considerable risk to themselves) to keep us healthy, to keep us safe, to keep us fed.
And thrilled that a way has been found to enable me to rejoin the volunteers.
Stay well and stay safe Hilary.

Fil said...

It has been overwhelming to see the courage and kindness and empathy shown in the face of such sorrow. Stay well Hilary x

Rhodesia said...

Such true words, so many heroes in the world at present and most of them unheard-of. We are now in day 39 of lockdown and I expect it to possibly go beyond the date of 11 May which is when it will be reviewed. Hopefully, there will be a few changes, but I think staying at home for a lot longer is necessary for those that can. Stay safe, Diane

Susan Scott said...

For sure, Hilary - this really is an unusual time and we thank all those workers in the front line and each and every worker who is contributing towards keeping us safe, each and every individual who looks out for their neighbour and beyond, those who comply with regulations for own and greater good. And as you say those who are grieving, in isolation, those who are working towards finding the best way forward... Lovely post thank you. Hope you're keeping well and safe ... Susan

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Hello Hilary: There are indeed many people who merit our gratitude. I always make it a point to thank the clerk at the checkout in the market and I did so two days ago when I shopped at 7:00 am, the time reserved for seniors and others who need assistance. I said, "Thanks for coming in so that I can eat." Her instant retort was, "I am coming in 'cause I need the cheque, honey!" My gratitude to her is not diminished one iota!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Yam – many thanks … simple, but there’s so much good in our communities …

@ Hels – I know – it’s amazing what I see and what I find out as I look around the net. Yes, it’s ‘work’ v families needing help … so brilliant to have that calling in life …

@ EC – it’s a pleasure to post about all the amazing people out there – doing what they need to do, or what they want to do … to keep us healthy.

That is such great news you’re able to do the thing you love most … helping others in need – so pleased for you.

@ Fil – it is extraordinary isn’t it – seeing all the courage, kindness and empathy shown in the face of such sorrow.

@ Diane – yes … it’s really interesting to see all these amazing people doing so many different things … many creatives too. Quite honestly – each day is each day … I’m not sure exactly when ours started – often told on the radio or tv … but it slightly goes over my head – except I realise it matters to many in the workforce. I sincerely hope things will improve for the better … and people/ organisations will be fair. I agree we need to keep going … though it’s stretching some …

@ Susan – it’s a very odd world at the moment – so much unfairness, which many are mitigating as they best can. Grieving in isolation must be the worst … I just feel for all – and hope that we can get through this terrible time soon coming out stronger and realising the good in people.

@ David – like you … I thank people … and realise many are much worse off. I hope her retort was with a slight lightness about it … usually a smile, a thank you generates similar back – maybe a grudging one … but something to breathe some hope into their lives. Glad your attitude to her hasn’t changed …

Thanks everyone – we are all in better places than much of humanity at the moment – yet we each have our own little worlds to live in – helping those around us … is essential – thus those ‘thank yous’, ‘smiles’ … all grist to the mill helps others and us for appreciating them – take care and look after yourselves - Hilary

Deborah Weber said...

Amidst all the challenges faced by so many, I can't help but be grateful for the overwhelming heart-opening experienced by the world. We each have SO many people to be grateful for, so many service-providers to thank, so many distributors of kindness and generosity, so many caring people. We are indeed all in this together, and may we emerge infinitely better iterations of the people we once were.

Anabel Marsh said...

So many admirable people to be grateful to.

Liz A. said...

It's a tough job. I wonder how many will continue once this emergency has passed.

Botanist said...

We all need strength and patience this year. I think there is light on the horizon but there is still a long road ahead.

Sue Bursztynski said...

Al, the ones yo7 mention. Also the supermarket workers, the public transport drivers, the teachers who continue to teach in a way they have never don3 before, and who deliver work to their students who don’t have Internet connection.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Deborah - yes ... it is heart-opening isn't it ... so many are doing so much for so many. As you say we are in this together wherever we are in the world. I would hope your last sentence brings us all on the same page ...

@ Anabel - yes ... admirable is the right word ...

@ Liz - if the jobs are there ... I'm sure they will continue helping and working ... I hope our values will have changed - sincerely hope ...

@ Ian - there is light ahead ... but gosh it's going to test everyone - such a change from our old days ...

@ Sue - I couldn't mention everyone ... and know I missed many organisations ... but hope my 'essential services' brought in many not specifically mentioned ... especially those helping the many who have so little ... particularly the young without the necessities ...

Take care all of you - there's work for us all in giving others peace and comfort during this time ... Hilary

Mason Canyon said...

Hilary, well said and very inspiring. Stay well and take care.

Computer Tutor said...

The entire world--we are all in this together. I love reading how people everywhere are coping. Good post, Hilary.

Joanne said...

excellent post. Your posts add to the positivity of the world - a lovely way with words.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

A bloody great post we are all in this mess together

D.G. Kaye said...

Amen to them all Hilary. <3 Lovely tribute. :)

Marja said...

I couldn't agree more. One of my friends is a nurse and they work hard. My hat off to all volunteers. The people have been good here by sticking to the rules but it now starts to get busy again on the road. They find it increasingly difficult to stay home. Tomorrow we go to level 3. More people back to work but minimal social activity.

Keith's Ramblings said...

There's really nothing I can add other than to thank you for such a positive message in these most troubled of times.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Mason - People are being quite extraordinary at the moment ... one can't help but be inspired and exceedingly grateful ...

@ Jacqui - yes it is the entire world ... and yes extraordinary stories of people coping and helping ...

@ Joanne - many thanks ... I'm just in awe of everyone and all they're doing ...

@ Jo-Anne ... we just need to hold firm to get to the other side ...

@ Debby - thank you ... simple: as people are being just wonderful ...

@ Marja - I know ... it's a very interesting and humbling time. I'm interested to see how you're doing in NZ - it seems to be helping the country through: back to work, but with minimal social activity ... ours has to be formulated ...

@ Keith - I can't do negativity ... doesn't get us anywhere ... so appreciate your thoughts ...

Take care one and all - and look after you and yours - Hilary

retirementreflections said...

Nicely said, Hilary.
I join you in your humble admiration!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Just lovely! Thanks for such uplifting words.

Vagabonde said...

A great post. Yes, there are so many wonderful people helping others in all kind of jobs. How about those nurses who came from other states to help New York? Many had jobs but they came because they were needed. Closer to home, my son-in-law is a physician in the hospital ER. He does not come home anymore – afraid to bring the virus to the kids. I worry about him because he works so much.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

As horrible as Covid19 is, we are all in this together. In that way, I don't feel alone. I hope soon we recover and no more deaths.

Take care, my friend.
Teresa

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I love how you help us stay positive with a reminder about the heroes in our midst. Thanks, Hilary!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Donna - thank you ... there are some amazing people out there - and I still think 'wow' how wonderful they are ...

@ Holly - thank you ... I just need to do the positive - have done for years (thankfully) ...

@ Vagabonde - well I couldn't list everyone ... so tried to make it general and very inclusive ... but realise the medics are really special - your son-in-law is one of the heroes ... especially when they've moved away from home to protect their own families. My thoughts to you and the family ...

@ Teresa - yes, I don't feel alone and realise I'm lucky ... as I can cope and don't tend to feel anxious. Like you I hope we can get back to a degree of normality soon ...

@ Pushkar - good to meet you ... and well done for your poetry ... and yes we can all learn something from others; congratulations on writing in English - though I see your range of poets are very English: interesting ...

@ Elizabeth - thank you ... I can't deal with negativity - we all have it - yet it's easier to be positive ... it's then in our mind - which I hope keep us positive ...

Thanks everyone - take care and look after yourselves ... all the best - Hilary

Sandra Cox said...

Well said.

Rhonda Albom said...

I can't agree more strongly. To all those essential workers who are putting themselves on the line and in danger, you have my heartfelt thanks. Kia kaha.

Sandra Cox said...

Who would have thought so many heroes would rise up.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Dr Genevive Angela said...

I agree with you the people who are working to fight COVID risking their lives, I feel grateful too for their are the lights in darkness, thanks for sharing. stay safe

Nick Wilford said...

A lovely uplifting post. I'm in awe of the heroes among us.

Nas said...

Hi Hilary!

Hope you and yours are safe. Its true, we see so many admirable people.

Anonymous said...

I hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy, Hilary. As you know, I've lost one family member. I'm about to lose another. Another family member lost her partner. New York has been ravaged and I'm so grateful to those men and women who continue to show up to work and put themselves at risk for us. Everyone from healthcare to sanitation, you're appreciated.


Elsie

diedre Knight said...

An eloquent reminder of the angels among us. Thank you, Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sandra – thank you …

@ Rhonda – good to see you … and as you confirm all the essential workers deserve our support and thanks. Kia kaha … just such a great motto …

@ Sandra – I think it was always possible: it’s just everyone has really stepped up to the plate … heroes all of them …

@ Genevive – thank you … and yes, everyone risking their lives on our behalf, particularly in the care sector … deserve all the plaudits they get …

@ Nick – I agree ... we are so lucky having these thoughtful folks helping us all …

@ Nas – good to see you … all well here – we’re lucky so many want to get out to help … and so many are very experienced in their fields …

@ Elsie – all well here – I hadn’t realised you’ve lost a family member and are likely to have lost another … so definitely my thoughts there … so sad to know about. It does sound as though New York is going through terrible times … yet, as you mention, many workers are really putting themselves in the front line by continuing to help – just wonderful humans.

@ Diedre – thank you … a good phrase: ‘the angels amongst us’ …

So grateful to see so many of you here – acknowledging all the unsung heroes at this time … our fellow humans are just so wonderful supporting our population: thank you … stay safe everyone and all the best - Hilary

Pradeep Nair said...

Hi Hilary - We are ever grateful to the people who have been working out on the field so that we can have our normal lives. This is a time when we need to come to terms with the current reality with calmness and understanding so that we can figure out our way ahead. Positivity, that's the key, always, especially now.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Pradeep - I know ... we are (I hope) all grateful for everyone (who is working to keep the country going) so we can at some stage get our normal lives back. As you so rightly say we need to accept where we're at with calmness and appreciate the situation ... making sure we're well adjusted for whatever the future holds. Thankfully I'm positive ... good to see you and take care, stay safe - Hilary

DMS said...

So thankful for all the essential workers! Doctors and nurses and first responders are doing an amazing job. They are working so we can all be safe. Thanks for celebrating them here today!

Stay safe!
~Jess

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jess - good to see you ... yes all our essential workers are doing magnificent jobs to keep us safe, and to help our 'normal' lives in these times. Thanks for coming by - Hilary