Friday the 13th gets a bad rap and 2020 is certainly not helping its image with two of the bad luck dates falling in March and November.
Back on March 13th, North Texas started the early introduction of handwashing, masking and social distancing. In the following months, North Texans were hit with panic purchasing in grocery stores, closures of businesses, healthcare workers being slammed and the word “essential” really dividing the area’s fundraising world.
Suddenly, nickel-and-dime donors and generous philanthropists were being forced to make Solomon choices in feeding stomachs or opening museums, providing for suddenly out-of-work neighbors or supporting cultural venues, etc.
Remarkably, as usual, the nonprofits rallied and such programs as North Texas Cares resulted. Foundations and other fund-providing groups adjusted their original plans and provided monies to support pandemic programs within decimated nonprofits. Both nonprofits and for-profits found themselves having to re-invent themselves. Restaurants shifted from four-walls operations to curbside and delivery. Educators changed to virtual formats for students. Businesses adjusted to working remotely and zooming for get-togethers. Alas, despite their best efforts, some organizations were forced to close permanently. But others partnered up, realizing that “together we stand, divided we fall.”
Now, as the world faces 2020’s second Friday the 13th, the feared second surge appears to be getting underway combined with COVID-19 fatigue, the flu, the approaching holidays and the anxiety of elections.
Is there good news? You bet. The only way to slow down the virus until a vaccine is found is to stay proactive. Wear that mask, keep your distance, wash your hands and don’t fall victim to the “everybody-but-me syndrome”.
Just this year take a break from the gang’s-all-here, in-person holiday get-togethers. Instead, use technology. There are many families who are missing loved ones this year because of the virus. Guarantee: No one has gotten COVID-19 or the flu via Zoom, Facetime or Internet socialization.
As for the election, it’s out of your hands and dwelling on it will only result in high blood pressure and arguments. You deserve better than that. Take a deep breath; walk around the block with a fav person/pooch; update/create your playlist; appreciate electricity and indoor plumbing; watch Turner Classic Movies (i.e., TCM); do a jigsaw puzzle; put a quarter in a jar for every time the words “Biden” or “Trump” are mentioned in a conversation (donate the money to your fav nonprofit or go to Andy’s for a brainfreeze).
Now, how about some good news for the future? 2021 has only one Friday the 13th. And it isn’t until August.
* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler