A letter to the world on my 51st Birthday.
A letter to the world on my 51st Birthday.
Today I am 51 years in this world, and I have been blessed to have the very most wonderful woman in the world as my wife. As I become 51 years old, Susan has been my partner, my rock and the love of my life for what is now 2/3rds of my life. We met in secondary/high school when we were just seventeen. Yes, like any relationship, we have had our challenges along the way. However, we have always worked through these together. The only birthday present I ever want is to wake up and see her beside me. Today, next year and for many decades to come.
Today, as I wake up, is probably the most scared I have ever been as we fight this invisible war. Do you know what though? It's okay to be afraid, the current challenge is nothing we have probably seen in our lifetimes.
However, being scared is not the same as panic. If we panic, we will make the wrong decision for ourselves, our families, our friends and everyone else in our society.
I am, therefore asking for the most significant Birthday present in the world. As Jeff Henderson (the wonderful author of FOR) says don't be afraid of the 'Big Ask'.
Here is my big Birthday present ask, Please show your humanity for your fellow human being right now:
1. By practising social distancing, by washing your hands regularly,
2. By not panic buying and hoarding food and essentials,
3.By showing your gratitude to all the front line workers from those in the medical arena, our governments and civil servants and those in our supply chains working hard to help us at these challenging times.
4. By discovering how we can help those in our communities.
5. By reaching out and being a hand of support (virtual of course) to those who need us right now.
Our Grandparents, great grandparents, and their parents lived through challenges, too when they didn't have the expertise we have today. We will do the same.
I look forward to wakening up in exactly 1 year and seeing my wonderful wife Susan across the bed from me. We can collectively ensure that as many people as possible come through this challenge too. When we do, let's celebrate the fact that our collective humanity is what won this war.
Together we are better!!! Sending you all a virtual hug.