Communities Come Together Despite
In these difficult times, it’s your family
that brings the love to your home,
we’re still here to bring the comfort.
TheJournalNJ.com | MAY 2020 39
Various Backgrounds
BY MATT KITCHEN
Who knew how fast our entire world could change? I know
I never thought this could happen nevertheless how fast
it did. Above all, I hope we never forget those who have
lost their lives to this terrible virus. These tragic deaths are happening
all around the world. It seems for the first time in human
history the world has one common enemy, and we are all suffering
together. We are all, in some way, feeling the same loss, fear, love
and determination. We are feeling grateful for our police, EMTs,
doctors, nurses and all essential employees putting themselves
at risk for sometimes little pay just so we can continue with what
little normalcy we have left.
Bipartisanship and volunteering are at an all-time high as
we navigate through this pandemic. My local food pantry at St.
Mark’s Episcopal Church in Keansburg has had more volunteers
than I have seen in the past, all out there rain or shine, handing
out food to those in need, and I am sure the church could still use
more help.
I was recently invited by Senator Vin Gopal to volunteer at
Fulfill, an amazing program that helps food-insecure families and
individuals locate local pantries and find assistance programs. Fulfill,
with former Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno as president
and CEO, had volunteers from both all backgrounds and political
affiliations put together signs to help spread the word about assistance
for families.
I can’t help but wonder when our world will return to some
degree of normalcy. My biggest hope for when this pandemic is
over is that we have a more peaceful, inclusive world after we have
come together to face an enemy who cares not about race, religion
or world views. I pray we realize what the world has been missing
for so long, that we are all in this together and share the same love
for our family, friends and even that stranger walking down the
street wishing you well during all this. I believe that for humanity
to thrive, we must realize the need for better relations, working together
and nonpartisan politics – to stop focusing on what makes
us different and to see what makes us the same.
The enigma here is that we have no idea what type of world
we will return to after the virus has left our communities. Will
handshakes and hugs be a thing of the past? Will we wear masks
regularly and fear touching common items? Will digitally hosting
meetings from the safety of our own homes be the norm?
We have no true timeline of how long this pandemic will last and
when we will be safe again. With that, we are left with so many
questions about the future.
I pray for the victims, the unsung heroes and our way of life.
Mostly I pray that we find a greater appreciation for life and our
fellow man after this is over. I hope we visit family and friends
more often, hug them and tell them we love them more than
ever – that we continue to check on our loved ones and neighbors.
While all we have now is confusion and worry, I can only
hope there is good that comes from this. Let us work together
in defeating this common enemy. Let us follow the experts’
guidelines to eradicate this virus. Let us continue to reach out to
neighbors, and most importantly, let us keep showing each other
love and compassion as we all work through this difficult time
together.
Photo courtesy of Ken Cook Photography. Matt Kitchen posts signs around Monmouth County
featuring information about local resources to find food and other help.
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