Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!

It is the morning after. How did we do to protect our loved ones this Thanksgiving?

The nurse in me is always looking for ways to care for others proactively. Being proactive declares that you have knowledge that allows you to avoid behaviors or events that could impact others. The week leading to Thanksgiving was stressful for me. As a nurse, educator, and community health practitioner, I remind all who will listen to be well and practice safely. Why… because we need you and others are depending on you.

I have watched the COVID-19 statistics escalate over the past month. In Texas, we are not doing well. I continue to live in my bubble, adhering to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines because we are still living in pandemic land. Pandemic land has no respect for the person. In dismay, millions of people traveled, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Millions of people put millions of others in harms’ way. Watching the television, I observed long lines, masks and face coverings worn incorrectly, and limited social distancing. I have watched in anguish this travel behavior of others, solely focused on celebrating Thanksgiving, an annual holiday. Notice, I said an annual holiday? The definition of ‘annual’ means ‘occurring or happening once a year’ …telling us if God grants us grace, we will celebrate in the next year.

So, it is the morning after. How did we do to protect our loved ones this Thanksgiving?

Time will tell. Statistics will tell. Families will tell, and another empty chair at the table will force us to ask ourselves, did we do our part.

I cannot help but question why gather now? I cannot help but ask why during a pandemic? I cannot help but question if we care about each other? I get it. Life is strained. We are fatigued. During our pandemic struggle, I challenge you to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.