“This effort has resulted in unprecedented changes for all our daily lives…
I pray we can find a silver lining.”
This picture may seem odd in relation to the current coronavirus health crisis. However, I found it appropriate as yesterday would’ve been my grandmother’s (Nanny’s) 98th birthday; she passed away four years ago. This photo shows my Nanny and myself at my dental school graduation. She inspired me to have a giving heart. She inspired me with her unwavering faith and unfettered generosity.
Lately we have heard a lot of talk in the media about “flattening the curve.” Many people may not understand what our government and the CDC mean by this, or why it has such a dramatic impact on our day-to-day lives. “Flattening the curve” means to delay the spread of a virus — not necessarily to contain or halt the spread of a virus. If successful, our healthcare system would be better able to cope with the patient load. Decreasing the burden on our healthcare system gives our aging population a better chance of survival if they are infected with COVID-19.
This effort has resulted in unprecedented changes for all our daily lives. Governors nationwide have mandated closure of elective medical and dental procedures along with closure of restaurants, churches, theme parks, and public gatherings. During this time families will go through unavoidable hardships and inconveniences due to the stress and anxiety of experiencing a pandemic. Yet these hardships reveal the values of our country. As a nation, we so value the life of our elderly and immunocompromised that we are willing to press pause on everything.
I pray that we can find a silver lining: whether it be this wonderful spring weather or the time gained with our families to slow down, reconnect, and be present. For the first time in our 11 years of marriage, Riley and I have found time to actually enjoy cooking– a true miracle!
“These hardships reveal the values of our country.”
We offer heartfelt thanks to those who are still working — the single-mother cashier at Wal-Mart, the teenage gas station attendant, the hospital janitor, the assembly line worker laboring overtime to produce much needed PPE, and of course all of the healthcare workers who unwaveringly step to the front lines. And lastly, thank you to all those who stay home despite the difficulties. I think of all the “Nanny’s” out there who need our efforts to help ensure their safety.
Know that the Sturgill Orthodontics team is here for you, not only to ensure your beautiful smile, but we are here for our community. If you know anyone who is in need because of COVID, please let us know. We want to help the community that has always supported us.
Sincerely,
Dr. S