There have and always will be defining moments in our lives as there has been throughout history. Like after the second world war, and I am old enough to remember this time, there was a huge period of growth. Things were not the same for anyone. Many families were left without their bread winner and mothers and fathers without their sons but through all this, the world survive and prospered through this time with a huge amount of growth and prosperity.
It was such a productive time. New jobs emerged, new ideas grew, and life developed a new normal. But like in any war or catastrophe, we found out the good in people in the community. People started taking care of each other. They started valuing their children and families. They started talking to each other and smiling at people they didn’t know or waving out to a stranger. They were taking the time to see what is around. They treasured their freedom, something that is not a given in so many places around the world. They got to appreciate each other. Just like after the Canterbury earthquakes, people gathered together, thought about each other more and got in and helped.
The same is going to happen now. Many people will start to think about their lives, what it means and how can they make changes. Many will realise they have been chasing their tails, going around in circles, doing a job they don’t like and will be looking for a change. People are now starting to appreciate and acknowledge others with a smile and eye contact. Something that had been lost.
However, that will not be the case for your industry. While you are lucky to have ongoing guaranteed employment and income something denied so many at present, I am hearing the stress of the managers. I only handful of people last week, basically to see how they are going. Everyone is so busy, and unlike those who are having the time to sit and reflect, play with their children, and watch all those TV programmes they have longed to watch, it is not a luxury you have. You still have the residents, their families and colleagues to think about not to mention your own families and keeping yourself safe and healthy. But you do have an income.
I wish there was a way in which I could help you, but I can’t. All I can say is I take my hat off to you and salute you. You are the backbone and stability that all those in your care so appreciate. It is, at times, backbreaking but it is also, at times, joyous and rewarding. The country is very lucky to have you all and with so many people now being out of work, it may well be that people now look for a career change and consider becoming a support worker or caregiver.
My thoughts are with you. Stay safe. Stay well and in all of this do take care of yourself as well as others. You do matter.
I would like to finish with this article written by a very respected New Zealander – Mike Hutchison. He has some very wise words here. “Let’s not say we are too small. Let’s be the mouse that roars”. Opportunities await for the brave and the bold.