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I don't wish to distract or make light of how this pandemic has deeply affected other parts of the globe, because it has. In fact, there are some areas that have been affected to a much higher degree than America.

But we have definitely had our share of devastation as well.

Here in the US, the areas intensely affected by the pandemic seem to be primarily concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. And within those regions, the state of New York has been the most ferociously attacked by this virus, particularly New York City and its boroughs.

If you know me well, you know how much I love New York. And even though I don't currently reside there, it will always be my home. So to sit here and watch what's been going on in that city day after day, has been extremely difficult because it feels as though it's happening to me.

Do you know what it's like when you love someone and they are in pain, how you actually feel the pain yourself? Well, that's how I feel.

It's like watching someone I love, suffer.

You know, I think this virus has taught all of us something very valuable. It's taught us that when someone else, or someplace else is suffering, we all feel it.

I believe that this pandemic has humbled us by showing us just how much we have in common because this virus is not localized, it is universal. It's something that each and everyone of us can relate to.

And it has also shown us how when humankind comes together, not only can we begin to mend the damage done by this pandemic, but we can also become stronger, wiser, and softer, because of it.

That to me is the definition of "healing."

For all the tragedy this virus as manifested, it has also highlighted a multitude of the love, courage, and unity.

Lately, I've been spending an hour each day in meditation, allowing myself to fully feel everything that's been happening in this world. And I don't think I've ever cried as hard as I have these past weeks. But my tears have not all been of sorrow, they have also been the result of reflecting on just how kind and compassionate humans can be when they see others who are suffering and in pain, world-wide.

This is why my feelings have been a dichotomy. Part of me is so deeply heartbroken by this pandemic. Yet, another part of me feels so immensely grateful because it's as if my eyes and my heart have been opened for the first time. It literally feels as though I've been transformed in being reacquainted with humanity.

I think it's incredibly ironic that it's taken this pandemic to forcibly stop us in our tracks and fully notice one another. And when I say fully, I mean fully, without anything else to distract us.

Not for one minute do I believe that this pandemic has separated us through social distancing. No, this pandemic has done the complete opposite in bringing us closer together.

And in turn, closer to ourselves.


In conclusion, it gives me great joy to share with you an Instagram post by, Glenn Close, because she so eloquently and passionately expresses her feelings about New York, not only during this pandemic, but also how deeply connected she will forever be to that city.

It is sometimes challenging for people to understand what precisely draws someone to New York because it seems like such an insane city to choose to live. And I completely understand that because New York is not for everyone. To be perfectly honest, in certain ways, yes, it is insane.

But for those of us who do understand New York and what the attraction is, regardless of how much of a struggle it can be, I think Glenn Close says it best because it is exactly how I feel.

Exactly.

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*note: this video runs 5:10, but trust me, it is so worth the watch.


Have a great weekend, everyone!
Be well...💗

28 comments:

  1. Ron, this post was so beautiful. I read it twice. It's difficult sometimes to see the positives in this pandemic, but you clearly brought them to the surface. You're right, it has brought people closer together. But why does it seem to take a tragedy to remind us of how much we have in common? New York has been brutally attacked by this virus. I remember watching the news two weeks ago and wondering the how they were ever going to get through this. But they steadily have. New York has a way of overcoming things, doesn't it.

    Love the Glenn Close clip. It made me very emotional. She seems like such a down to earth and natural lady.

    Thank you for this post, Ron. x

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  2. Ron, there are so many things you said in this post that resonate with me. I feelings are also a dichotomy. I see the devastating and it breaks my heart, but I also see how this pandemic has rallied us together in such a beautiful way. Why does it seem to take a catastrophe to bring us back to what really matters?

    And you're right about NY, it's not for everyone. But for those of us (like myself, being a native), there is something magnetic that draws many people to live there. If it wasn't for my husband's job, we would still be there. What Glenn Close shared on her most was so moving. I love how she said, "it’s not about gold, it’s about the absolute thrill—the joy of being able to do what you want most in the world to do and what you feel is why you’re here. To have that chance."

    Makes me so proud to be a New Yorker!

    Thank you, Ron x

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  3. That photograph overlooking the city is gorgeous, Ron!

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  4. I'm with you in the belief that this pandemic will bring us closer. Every relationship with have is a gift and I think we will appreciate each one more.

    I've only visited NYC three times, but I totally see the appeal and what draws some people to it. It was funny that Glenn mentioned 'Grounded' right off the bat because having a local spot like that is what would appeal to me most, living in a big city. I always envy how you can walk everywhere in Philly. I would LOVE to be able to do that.

    Thanks for sharing something that touched your heart, Ron. XO

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  5. Ron, I recall a post you shared last month in which you said that you believed there was a reason for this pandemic and you were right. I have always had the belief that things, regardless of how tragic they can be, happen for a reason. Nothing is random. I feel like you, this has brought us closer together. I think it's wonderful how technology has giving us a way to stay in touch during this time, however I think we realize that it can't take the place of real human contact.

    I love New York City too. I've never lived there but have visited many times. There is no place on the planet like that city. The energy is so palpable!

    I enjoyed how Glenn Close shared her story about the audition and the streets of New York were paved with gold.

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  6. Hey there Candice!

    " But why does it seem to take a tragedy to remind us of how much we have in common?" You're right, it often does, doesn't it? I believe that we need "wake-up" calls every so often and this pandemic was definitely a huge wake-up call on so many levels.

    Yes, I thought the same thing while watching what was going on in NY and thinking, "OMG....how the hell are they going to move through this?!?" But they always do. Look at 9/11, New York City always comes through.

    Me too, I've always loved Glenn Close. Yes, does seem so down-to-earth and natural. And I think that comes from her background in theater because theater actors have an "earthiness" about them.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay well!
    X

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  7. Thanks! I took that about two years ago when I went to Top of the Rock. Isn't the view from there MAGNIFICENT?

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  8. Helloooooooo there Elaine!

    "Why does it seem to take a catastrophe to bring us back to what really matters?"

    I know, and someone else said the same thing. I think we need shit like this to happen to wake us up and see what really matters. Sometimes we become too far removed from that.

    "...there is something magnetic that draws many people to live there."

    Yup...and you either feel that or you don't. The thing about NY is that for as much as it changes, what always remains the same is the energy!

    I loved that too. And I also said how its not really about the "gold", it more about feel as though belong and doing what you love most.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Wishing you and your husband and faaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  9. Ron, thank you for writing such a beautiful and heartfelt post. Speaking as someone who is living in New York right now, I truly appreciate your love, kindness at empathy at this awful time.

    Self-quarantine is such outlandish thought in a place where people live, work, and play side-by-side every single day. We are known for our crowds, our mobs, our people.

    There are a lot of things going on right now in the political realm that are making me angry, but your post reminds me of the many acts of kindness that are also happening.

    I truly hope we become stronger, wiser, and softer as a result of this nightmare. Humanity doesn't have a very good track record when it comes to learning a lesson, but there's always a first time, right?

    The Glenn Close clip was perfect, showing how one person's story about New York celebrates every story about New York.

    I can't wait for your next visit to your hometown, buddy. I'll buy you a big salty pretzel and we can ride the Staten Island ferry!

    Take care.

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  10. I LOVE what you shared in your first sentence; especially that every relationship we have is a gift and that we will appreciate them more. That is so true! And another thing that I've been thinking about over the past two weeks are my parents who are no longer here, yet, when I'm in mediation (prayer) I can actually feel them with me, which has been so moving. It's like they're watching over me.

    "It was funny that Glenn mentioned 'Grounded' right off the bat because having a local spot like that is what would appeal to me most, living in a big city."

    Ha! I know, that's one of the cool things about city life, those little out-of-the-way unique spots that you can only find in a city like NY.

    Yes, one of the things I most enjoy about city life is walking. I hardly ever take public transportation (in Philly or NY) because I love to walk. Sometimes when I'm in NYC for the day, I will jump on the subway if I'm going from, say uptown, and want to go way downtown. But I enjoy the NYC subways.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaabulous weekend!
    XO

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  11. Hello there Daniel, so nice to see your comment!

    Yes, what a good memory you have because I most certainly did say that in a post I shared last month. I was the first post I wrote when this pandemic hit.

    I love what you said here:

    "I have always had the belief that all things, regardless of how tragic they can be, happen for a reason. Nothing is random. "

    Yes, I believe the same thing. In fact, when I look back on difficult things that have happened to me personally in my life, I can see the reasons and just how much I learned from them. Like you said, nothing is ever random.

    And I love this as well:

    "I think it's wonderful how technology has giving us a way to stay in touch during this time, however I think we realize that it can't take the place of real human contact."

    OMG...I've been thinking the same thing. I really enjoy technology for so many reasons. And for as wonderful as it's been during this pandemic and allowing people to stay connected, I think people are realizing how much they miss BEING with people.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings, my friend. Have a great weekend, and stay well!

    X

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  12. Rob, I was SO thinking of YOU when I wrote this post because I know that you are right in heart of where everything is happening in NY and I know how hard it must be for you, and everyone else.

    You're so right, to be self-quarantined in a city where so many people live and mingle with each other on the streets, buses, subways and sidewalks, is outlandish. I look at photographs on the Internet of what the streets look like now and it's frightening to see them empty, considering that they are usually PACKED with pedestrians.

    "I truly hope we become stronger, wiser, and softer as a result of this nightmare. Humanity doesn't have a very good track record when it comes to learning a lesson, but there's always a first time, right?"

    I understand what you mean because you're right, many times in the past after a devastation, we often forget how it brought us together and go back to our old ways. Hopefully though, this pandemic, as devastating as it's been, will keep us in check.

    "The Glenn Close clip was perfect, showing how one person's story about New York celebrates every story about New York."

    YES!!!!!

    I am so looking forward when I can come back to my hometown again. God, I truly miss it!
    And when I do, I'll take you up on the salty pretzel and the Staten Island Ferry!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Know that you and New York are forever in my thoughts and prayers!

    Take care and be well!

    X

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  13. Valerie DaggattSunday, April 19, 2020

    It is the same here as it is in New York and reminds me of World War 2 when people came together to share in the bad times as well as good ones. Perhaps that is why the world is suffering this pandemic, to teach us that life is good.

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  14. "Perhaps that is why the world is suffering this pandemic, to teach us that life is good."

    Valerie, yes, I think the same thing. I had a very strong feeling when all this started happening that lessons would be learned. And 'positive' lessons.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Have a great Sunday. And be well!

    X

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  15. Ron, what a beautiful post. You put into words everything I've been feeling since this whole coronavirus pandemic arrived. I've been staying in touch with family members on Long Island because I've been so worried about them. This virus affected certain parts of the Island (like Suffolk County) as well as the city. So far, so good, no one has gotten ill. But I'm still very concerned.

    I agree with you 100%, as horrendous as this has been, so much good has come from it. It's so reaffirming to see on the news how many people are reaching out to help others in need. What a lesson this has been, hasn't it?

    The Glenn Close Instagram clip was so touching. I cried at the end. And I love how totally natural she looks.

    Thank you for sharing this, Ron. Stay well! xo

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  16. Love the clip you've shared here, Ron. "Endless possibility" is a good way of looking at not only New York, but of our entire country. We're all suffering through this pandemic, and most of us are quite eager for things to "return to normal." I'm not sure that's the lesson we should be taking away from it though. Perhaps we're being called to a "new" normal, something far BETTER than what we had and knew before.


    I know I've become more introspective as this lock down drags on. I think I've also drawn comfort from my faith in new ways since we can no longer go to church as before. Illinois is right behind New York in the number and severity of coronavirus cases, and seeing clips of people down south returning to the beaches makes me long even more for "normalcy."


    We can take joy in knowing Spring is right around the corner, that we're all in this together, and that just perhaps, we'll be able to flatten the curve, find a cure (and preventative) for this thing, and emerge from our homes again. Stay healthy, my friend! xo

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  17. Debbie I so love what you shared here because you are SPOT ON!

    "... eager for things to "return to normal." I'm not sure that's the lesson we should be taking away from it though. Perhaps we're being called to a "new" normal, something far BETTER than what we had and knew before."

    Yes...BETTER!

    Isn't it something how this pandemic has caused so many of us to become more introspective? And also, yes,....more to our faith? Me as well. In fact, my faith is what has been getting me through this. I actually feel stronger and more in tune.

    Yes, I know Illinois has also been greatly affected by this virus; Chicago especially.

    "Spring is right around the corner, that we're all in this together, and that just perhaps, we'll be able to flatten the curve, find a cure (and preventative) for this thing, and emerge from our homes again."

    Yes, I think Spring is probably the most symbolic season for this because it represents...RENEWAL.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings, my friend. Have a super Sunday!
    X

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  18. Hola Denise!

    OMG...your family is in Suffolk County?!?!? Yes, that part of the Island has really been hit hard. And Nassau County as well. So happy to hear that your family is well.

    " It's so reaffirming to see on the news how many people are reaching out to help others in need. What a lesson this has been, hasn't it?"

    Yes, it sure has! This is why has devastating as this has been, I can see the "GOOD" that has come from it. And to me, I try very hard to see the good in everything.

    I cried too! And I agree, I LOVE how natural she look, not a stitch of makeup, yet her skin looks so beautiful! I also love her grey hair.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a grrrrrrrrrrrreat Sunday!

    X

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  19. We are all drawn to different parts of the country, often without rhyme or reason. A lot of people thought I was crazy for leaving the PNW for South Dakota, but those same people are beginning to understand my decision now.

    Glenn Close sums up her feelings beautifully, and you do, too. It's inspiring to read your positive take on this situation. Hang in there, my friend...NYC will heal, and before you know it, you'll be back.

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  20. Ron, my girlfriend and I have been talking a lot about what you've shared in this post. We're looking for the positives of this pandemic and seeing very much of you're seeing. Unity. This virus has been a bitch, but it has also been such an "awakening."

    It's really scary how hard this pandemic hit the state of New York. And the only thing I can think of for why would be because of it dense population which cause the spread so quickly.

    We both enjoyed your Glenn Close video. She's not only a talented actress but also seems to be a talented human being.

    Thank you for sharing your insight, dude!

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  21. Lovely. And I do so hope this changes us for the better.

    (An aside - we watched an old movie from the 1999 last night called "Cookie's Fortune" that had Glenn Close in it.)

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  22. Me as well. Something like this has never happened (at least in my lifetime), and I think it's altering the perception of a great many people. I only hope that perception lasts after this pandemic settles down.

    Thank you SO MUCH for telling me about that movie because I have never heard of it. I googled it before leaving my comment and it looks like a really good film with a great cast. It's got Julianne Moore in it and I LOVE her!

    Have a great week, my friend. And stay well!
    X

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  23. Matt, I absolutely love the word you used "awakening" because that is EXACTLY what it feels like. And awakening! Thank you for sharing that. Yes, this virus has been a bitch (big time), but I'm seeing a lot of positivity too.

    "And the only thing I can think of for why would be because of it dense population which cause the spread so quickly."

    Yes, I think you're right. That city is so densely populated with not only people who live there, but also people from all over the world coming in and out. But I'm so glad the city is slowly flattening the curve.

    Don't ya just love Glenn Close? She an earthy lady!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week and stay well!
    X

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  24. "A lot of people thought I was crazy for leaving the PNW for South Dakota, but those same people are beginning to understand my decision now."

    Yes, you're darn right, Mark! And I am soooooooooooo glad that you're there because that area is one area of the states that has been so blessed in not having to deal with the catastrophic numbers that many states have. PA has had a lot, but it's starting to flatten out. In fact, the hotel across the street from my apartment is currently being used to house the homeless people who have been tested (positive), staffed with doctor's and nurses to care for them. The Philadelphia police are also stationed all over the street in front of the hotel (24/7) to make sure everything runs smoothly. And so far, it has.

    Thank you for you kind words, my friend. Yes, you're right...NYC will heal, and before I know it, I'll be back. Because I MISS that city so much!

    Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X to you and Tara

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  25. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, April 24, 2020

    Wise words and a lovely shot.

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  26. Thank you, Fiona! And thanks so much for stopping by!

    Be well, my friend! X

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  27. Wonderful post! Very thoughtful and insightful. I agree this tragedy should have brought humanity closer together. And in some cases, it has in beautiful ways. Then, I look at social media and realize we, as a nation, as just as divided as before. The vitriol on social media about the current administration seems to be at an all-time high. I pity people who cannot see past their politics to the bigger picture going on around them. This is a wake-up call in so many ways that has nothing to do with politics. I'm sure America, and the world, will rise again. This has been a hard reset in order for us to get our priorities straight. But it's done so at a tremendous cost. Hope you are healthy and safe. X

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  28. "This is a wake-up call in so many ways that has nothing to do with politics. I'm sure America, and the world, will rise again. This has been a hard reset in order for us to get our priorities straight. But it's done so at a tremendous cost."

    Lisa, yes it has, you're right. But quite frankly, I'm no longer focusing my attention on the social media/news political blame game (which is coming from both sides) because it will never end. This pandemic has opened my eyes in so many valuable ways, so that's what I'm focusing on now. That, and remaining grateful.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is well with you and your family!

    X

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