The paper boat is fragile. For many, the paper boat is a symbol of childhood and innocence. It lives its own life, simple and humble, bravely flowing in a stream, navigating uncharted waters.
One year ago in mid-March, the pandemic turned the world inside-out and left its mark on humanity, leaving us to collectively sail a new course. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, resulting in a historic economic collapse. Some businesses closed for good, and some found new ways to operate. Many companies moved to remote work. Schools closed and families sheltered in place. People donned masks, stood in line at their neighborhood grocer, six feet apart to shop and stockpile everything from food to toilet paper, sanitize lotion and wipes. Families across the U.S. and in the North Bay struggled to stay safe (and sane!) and juggle work, life and parenting. Meanwhile, scientists went to work in their labs in search of a vaccine.
Everyone has been touched by the pandemic in some way. It’s been a time of great uncertainty, anxiety and tragedy. The numbers are sobering. As of Feb. 23, the number of American deaths from COVID-19 surpassed the staggering milestone of 500,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. It’s a number broadly equivalent to the number of Americans who lost their lives in three wars. According to data from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, approximately 405,000 Americans died in World War II, and 36,000 lost their lives in the Korean War. The Vietnam War resulted in another 58,000 deaths.
For many, it was also a time of quiet, stillness and reflection. Long-standing issues in the North Bay such as health care for the uninsured, education, homelessness, housing and seasonal wildfires were amplified during 2020.
There were dark days and challenges, as we longed to return to the world, as we once knew it. Yet, in the midst of so much tragedy, many people have learned from the pandemic—2020 has changed them.
When the first vaccine was finally administered to a critical care nurse in New York on Dec. 14, 2020, in the midst of an epic crisis, there was as at long last a flicker of hope. Since then, there have been positive trends in vaccinations and case counts. As the North Bay continues vaccination efforts, there is still plenty of uncertainty, but hope is critical to surviving turbulent times. Hope is a fundamental need in times of crisis. Because what everyone longs to know is that we will get through this together and be okay.
In this special commemorative edition of NorthBay biz, we share the personal stories of its residents and businesses. There are stories of hope and transformative change in medical science, health care, education and business. Though it’s been a challenging and heartbreaking time for everyone, there were some unexpected gifts along the way. Families grew closer. Health-care workers on the front lines of COVID care rallied together to meet the needs of our communities, while others in the community supported them with thanks and gratitude. Teachers stepped up to provide support to both their students and parent-teachers. And for many, it’s been a time of discovery, taking up new hobbies, reading more, cooking more and discovering the simple joy and healing nature of spending time outdoors.
In the face of unspeakable challenges in the days, weeks and months ahead, one of the greatest gifts you can give to family, friends and colleagues is an invitation to discover hope and to learn from the experience.
As Benjamin Disraeli once said, “There is no education like adversity.” One year from now, may we take the lessons we’ve learned and make meaningful and positive changes at work and at home and look back at this moment in time as the beginning of recovery and transformative change.
