When it didn’t have to happen…

When it didn’t have to happen

We know that some things in life…

Simply will be…perhaps designed to be

But there are others that…are not supposed to be

It seems easier to accept those things that are…

Beyond our control or the control of another

There are things or opportunities that may come or go

There are many things that we don’t have power over

But what we do have power over are…our droplets

Those that come from our mouths and our noses

And linger in the air…invisible to the next person…

Who occupies that space…passing through

Or standing there long enough for…

What has become a silent killer…

To attach itself…unknowingly to any one of us

How do we protect ourselves from something we can’t see

I pray…watch…and listen

I pray…to God asking for his protection, wisdom and knowledge

I watch…to learn what is happening and who are the experts

I listen…to those who have expertise in the area

Some things we can listen to each other about…based on experience

Other things…we need someone with decades of expertise

And evidence-based practice in the area that protects us…

From things like…a pandemic

As a Behaviorist…the first thing on my ‘chart to success’…

For children was always…LISTEN

Listening changes what comes after it...

The consequences of…if we do or if we don’t…listen

Consequences that can be good…bad…or indifferent

Consequences that can affect our lives, those connected to us

And in the midst of a pandemic…anyone we come in contact with

Or share a space with…hours after they or we have left that space

Trust but verify

Educate yourself on what’s happening and why

Listen to the experts

If we need a landscaper…we don’t call or listen to a doctor for that

If we need a doctor…we don’t call or schedule an appointment with a landscaper

Operating outside of our lane of expertise or not listening to those who know...

Can cost a life…or the lives of many

I care enough about you…whether I know you or not…

To cover my face and keep my droplets to myself

And to discipline myself...to keep my distance…

For you and for me

When you take good care of you…you take good care of me

When I take good care of me…I take good care of you

So that this…losing our loved ones and so many others…to a pandemic…

Doesn’t have to continue to happen...

When it didn't have to happen