Fred Rogers always told us to “Look for the helpers” when we explained crisis or calamity to our children.

And his advice holds true today, as it did in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. There are thousands across the United States who are doing good for their communities.

In New York there is a landlord who has told his renters that their monthly rent for April has been forgiven, and that perhaps that money will be better used to put food on the table or assist family members.

Then we have the many light industries who have shifted their production so as to produce more necessary medical supplies, and did so without being asked, they did it because it was the right thing to do.

Look about, you’ll see many examples of people helping people.

Red Folder

The original Red Folder

The original Red Folder was kept in a bookcase in our home. When I was deployed abroad, during my CIA years, I would leave in that folder all the information I thought my wife might need during my absence. The nature of my work did not allow me to always have direct contact with my family, and thus, I wasn’t always available to answer the questions.

Washington State

Here in Washington State we’re going to be continuing Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” initiative for a minimum of another month, through 04 May. An inconvenience to increase the odds that we survive a COVID-19 infection, I’m all in.

Inslee has been transparent, unwavering, and engaged in polite plain-speak in getting the message out to his constituents. He is exhibiting leadership.

Masks

I wear my mask to protect you

You wear your mask to protect me

My wife, Kathy has made the family some stylish masks – her granddaughter calls them Turbo-Masks because they look so sleek and strong. I liken our wearing these masks made of material as functional and in keeping with the adage, they protect us. We’ve been wearing them for the past few weeks, and now the CDC guidance has caught up.

There are just too many pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19. Please wear your mask when you leave your home.

Don’t own a needle or thread?

Don’t worry, I found step-by-step instructions to create one without using needle and thread.

You will need two things.

• Handkerchief (washable)
• Two elastic hair ties

Lean on me

In the immortal words of the late Bill Withers, “Lean on Me“

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me (call me)
If you need a friend (call me) call me uh huh(call me) if you need a friend (call me)
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)

Should you find yourself, alone and troubled, lean on me or another. You aren’t alone. We are truly in this together.

Look for the helpers

Take a moment during this tumultuous time to look for the helpers. When you find them, highlight them for all to see. Fill our streams with the many acts of kindness which are taking place. Fill our streams with the hard work of those in “essential” sectors of our cities, towns, and villages.

Lastly, reach out to those dear to you and take a pulse check, let them know they are loved.

I thank you for your time and please remember to keep your distance from one another
Christopher Burgess