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In 2012, I was a headliner for a special event in Chicago that was expecting upwards of 80,000 spectators. The night before, a massive storm tore through the area, ripping down tents and causing mayhem. The next morning, under a cloudless sky, the sun rose over Lake Michigan, and the weather was beautiful. People were all spit and vinegar, amped up and ready for a day of fun. The fire marshal laid those plans to waste when he ordered the event canceled, citing potential unseen damage caused by the storm. Months of preparation were rendered useless with one short speech.
It is a given in parks and recreation that safety comes first. I was disappointed but understood the decision completely. Safety matters more than profit. Some people who did not agree with that were much more vocal, and some even let their behavior veer into vandalism.
Two Degrees Of Separation
Regarding the current pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control’s job is to provide guidance on how people should conduct themselves to minimize the spread of COVID-19. At the time of this writing, there is no end in sight. There are those who comply and those who rebel. Some are unaffected and unphased, while others are unemployed, sick, and suffering. I ruminate on my place in the world. In my old world, death had the final word. That is no longer the case. Both life and death have more meaning. There are no accidents. Our job is to find the meaning and live a life of purpose, a life in service of others. But while I serve, the numbers of sick and deceased climb higher and higher daily.