Covid-19 was a tsunami of sudden and major disruption on a global scale. Most people around the world experienced immediate and chaotic change. People stopped moving. The earth had a chance to breathe. Early on, people indicated that "there would be life before Covid-19 and life after Covid-19." Life would NEVER be the same. The swelling and welling up caused extreme and explosive forced action for most of humanity and a reaction from earth. There was no warning really. There's been nothing quite as earth-shocking and shattering for the entire world since World War II. Most humans from World War II are no longer here to share the memories of the abrupt and permanent alteration to lives everywhere. Covid-19 served as a reminder as to how precious all of life is. When this global pandemic wave rushed over earth, the impact was of unique proportions and magnitudes. Due to advanced technology and social media, the effects of Covid-19 and the havoc it wreaked on people's emotions, actions, and lives was readily available for the entire world to witness and respond to, or not. Due to the severe measures implemented in my state, the US, and worldwide, the immediate reaction was extreme fear. Close emotional allies of fear, regardless of spiritual and/or political affiliations, were the emotions of criticism, anger, judgment, division, frustration, suspicions, blame, and hopelessness. Basic freedoms that most people around the globe were typically afforded in normal times became forbidden, taboo, shunned. In most places, hand-shaking, hugging, kissing, and close contact were not allowed. In most places, for extended periods of time, restrictions halted physical contact with those outside of one's immediate family. If you were single or an elderly person in an assisted-care facility, there was a great chance of becoming very lonely. The coronavirus basically locked many people up in what would be a prison cell. While in this "prison cell," individuals were forced to reflect on themselves and on the relationships closest to them, mostly their immediate family, whether they were ready to do this or not. Close evaluation of workplace and extended social relationships took place as well. In the state of Ohio where I reside, towards the end of March 2020, the fear of the impending "coronavirus shutdown" was palpable with the extreme measures and restrictions that would affect personal and workplace lives. As an alternative healer and a very sensitive person, I felt the closing in, the locking of the prison cell door, the extreme fear most people felt. The close allies of fear surrounded me and attempted to draw me into the current of negativity. On March 20, 2020, God gave me a message strong and clear. He said, "Gwen, to make it through this pandemic, you must remain positive and hopeful for yourself, your family, community, humanity, and earth." On March 20, 2020, right before Ohio shut down life as usual, the poems started flowing. The first one was inspired by Proverbs 11:25 NIV, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." The poems continued to flow through May 8, 2021, two Mother's Day poems to my mom. These poems are to help heal the wounds of Covid-19. They are a gift to humanity and earth. Certain proceeds from this book will aid poor children in rural Appalachia where I grew up in Southeastern Ohio and hopefully well beyond.
