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What has been happening to our safe and comfortable world?

Sure, we all have our trials and tribulations in our normal day-to-day living, but I do not think anyone has been prepared for what has taken place in our country because of the coronavirus pandemic.

While our country has been blessed to learn from some of the countries where the coronavirus showed up  first, I have not heard that anyone knows how it truly began.

Many will not be prepared to have to deal with a financial setback this virus will cause by not being able to go to work. So many people live from paycheck to paycheck to just pay the bills and feed their families.

Other people may have put back money to save but will use it to pay for extra child care after the schools closed. Some kids may even be left alone.

Who really knows what the effect the coronavirus will make on our country or how long it may take if ever, to overcome it.

We may never learn what the financial or emotional loss this disease may take on America, not to mention the physical loss or deaths.

I have never, in my 71 years of life, seen anything like this. I would never have thought there would not be a high school basketball tournament, a Southeastern Conference championship or a NCAA basketball tournament. My mouth dropped with every announcement.

I was so angry and sad until I made myself stop and realize the reality and seriousness of it all. I kept thinking ‘Surely they will let these kids get to play the tournament some day’ until I realized it is over. The decision has been made.

I was heartbroken. I love watching basketball and have been excited when our high school had won both regions to get to play in the Sweet 16 state tournament.

The thought of getting to play in Rupp Arena had to have been something they were looking forward to excitedly.

It had to have been such a letdown. I hope they realize it had to be.

The same sentiment goes for the college teams. I have often mentioned how much I love watching Kentucky play basketball. I was so disappointed the season ended at the end of the regular season. It felt like things were taken away from us like a toy when we were kids.

People will miss being with one another in the workplace, going to meetings and their regular places. Children will miss getting to play with their friends at school.

School years have been changed. According to the parents, many children will not get the education they need and may be left behind when school resumes.

Who would have thought church would have been closed in America? This only happens in communist countries doesn’t it?

At my church’s main campus, most of those who attend are considered a high risk group for the virus. It was a very difficult decision for our pastor to make.

I never thought I would see the day church would be canceled other than because of dangerous road conditions.

Those who are looking so forward to going on spring break excursions and have worked hard all year to be able to take a vacation during this time may have to cancel their trips.

Who would have thought people would go as crazy over purchasing toilet paper as we have heard about this week. Many have thought about no one but themselves when they have hoarded toilet paper. Remember to share if you hear of someone in need. After all, we are in this together.

Hopefully before long, our lives will go back to the normal. Maybe it will make us appreciate our lives a little more.

Prayers are needed for all of us. Our medical teams, doctors, nurses and hospital workers need extra prayers since they are on the front line.

I feel our leaders who are doing their best to guide us need our prayers also. There is a huge burden on them to make the right decisions concerning the virus.

We need to not panic. We need to know the Lord will listen to our concerns, and he  is bigger than any virus. He has given us so many scriptures to remind us of his care for us and that we should have no fear.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active at First United Methodist Church and Towne and Country Homemakers.