Generosity: Make most of your pandemic experience
As the coronavirus pandemic came to Washington, I planted an apricot tree. I expect it to bear fruit long after I am gone.
In times of crisis immediate needs must be addressed, but for balance, future plans considered.
A tavern gifted hamburgers and cheeseburger sandwiches to every tenant in a nearby apartment complex. A friend who likes to grill gives away food to children and families who are in need.
Hoarders are in the news, but it is the quiet acts of generosity that will sustain us in the long run.
How we respond reveals how deeply runs our core of common decency. We cannot all do memorable things, but each of us can use our time wisely.
Phone calls to friends are far more rewarding than Facebook posts. Some may even find that family dinners are conduits to conversations.
Our apricot tree will someday bear fruit. How we handle this crisis and how we reach out to others will sustain us not only now but in the future.
This may be the only pandemic we experience; make the most of it.
John Cain, Tacoma
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Generosity: Make most of your pandemic experience."