Moored, Like Boats
I have an old friend ensconced in a Chicago hospital. He is on a ventilator and being fed by a tube. As is his wife, his best friend. They returned to Chicago 11 days ago, fell ill on Friday, checked into the hospital on Saturday, and his COVID19 diagnosis was confirmed on Monday. They are fighting for their lives. This is day 9 and counting in the ICU.
This is a man that I found easy to follow. Charm, wit, and a soaring intellect, coupled with a quick laugh and an ever-present twinkle in his eye, all helped to make him a great leader and fantastic storyteller. Some of you know him. Those that don’t, well… you wish you did. He took a chance on me a long time ago. I’d offer what good karma I may have accumulated be directed their way.
And, this brought the pandemic home. What little I know is that we need to to radicalize our collective approach to isolating and distancing. If you are young and invincible… you are not. If you are the relative or friend of someone who can’t quite sense their impact, just try to help them understand - we are the weapon… the virus is the bullet.
Please, think about my friends (and likely some other friend of yours soon) fighting for their lives. What if they knew they inspired us to be more generous and kind to one another by distancing ourselves from one another? Social distancing as an act of empathy and compassion... and maybe healing?
Look at the peaceful picture. We need to be moored, like boats.
Strategic Consulting | Former Global Chief Communications Officer -Kite Pharma/General Mills/Astrazeneca/Univ Of Maryland Medical System/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
4 年Moored boats bobbing on undulating water that we can't tame or control - Powerful and ironically peaceful imagery of hope. Thank you for sharing. Sending the very best healing thoughts to your friends and all the families living through this nightmare.
CEO at Hunter Fan Company
4 年Art. Sorry to hear about your friends. My prayers are with them.
Board Director | President | Thought Leader | Growth Catalyst I Team Builder
4 年Art, thank you for sharing, and my prayers are with your dear friends. Sadly, I received devastating news this weekend that a very, very dear person in my life died from the virus. She was my parents next door neighbor who I considered my “second mom”. I enjoyed countless conversations at her kitchen table for over 35 years. She was “older” (in her 70s), but very healthy and active. This pandemic is real, and we all need to act to keep ourselves and others as safe as possible.
President Consumer Products, Executive Vice President at Hydrosome Labs LLC
4 年Thanks for sharing. Thinking of you and your friends. Stay well.
Leadership Advisor at Spencer Stuart
4 年Holding your friends up to the light, Art. Thank you for sharing.