-Isms: View on life in rural America

The other morning, a Cheshire cat moon hung in the sky. Its typically upturned smile cast sideways - resembling a frown - brought thoughts of 9/11 to mind.

A similar-looking moon floated in the sky as twilight neared on that September evening in 2001. The world turned upside down that day, chaos on Earth.

The ancients believed celestial elements mirrored what was happening on firm ground. If they are correct, on Sept. 11, the heavens cried at the destruction occurring on U.S. soil.

Are the heavens weeping for the world as this pandemic disrupts life as we know it?

In 2001, once shock morphed into disbelief, and eventually, realization of the aftermath, Americans gathered themselves, brushed off the dust and bolted into action.

We bonded together to reclaim our identity, put Americans first; to pitch in and offer a helping hand. It took a crisis of unimaginable magnitude to cause us to put away petty arguments and unite for the common good. Suddenly, serving our country - no matter how we could help - showed empathy and hope in a world that, it seemed, had lost its way.

Times of crisis tend to bring out the best in people.

Will we, as a nation, react similarly now as we respond to the chain reaction of events left in the wake of COVID-19?

The effects of this pandemic differ from 9/11. Social distancing and lockdowns do not allow for face-to-face interaction. Yet, I believe many of us already are responding and offering assistance, despite obstacles placed in our path.

Whether you’ve taken part in a cruise night, ordered carryout from a local restaurant, shared food and goods with a neighbor in need or checked in with elderly members of the community, it’s a good start at serving others during this time of uncertainty.

Acts of service, whether big or small, make a difference. These gestures are needed now, more than ever.

For the past month, the SAM fam has listed acts of kindness for readers to participate in, including sending a letter or some type of communication to five individuals, offering encouraging words and picking up the phone and checking in with someone.

Need more ideas? Why not drop off food for health care professionals?

Can you sew? Make face masks. Multiple organizations are in need.

Support local small businesses by shopping in their stores, purchasing gift cards or ordering takeout.

Like to cook? Pick up groceries and cook for those who are homebound.

Donate blood. Supplies are dangerously low.

So many areas of life have been disrupted - health care, schools, economy. We think we’re equipped to handle any crisis that comes our way, but in reality, no one is every truly ready to deal with roadblocks.

Together, though, we can emerge from this time stronger than before, and hopefully, with more empathy for others, more understanding about differences, more open to change.

Now is the time to model service to others, to mirror the kind of world in which we prefer to live.