COVID-19: Challenges and blessings - LPNI

In February, my 100-year-old mother and I were looking at some 1918-19 news clippings about the Spanish Flu that was killing so many people in the United States.  She was a baby at the time, but her parents and extended family and friends had collected these clippings, and Mom got them when my grandmother passed away.  We were comparing the characteristics of the present pandemic that was just starting to reach our country.  

Fast forward to 2020.  On 11 March many States in the USA were put on ‘stay home’ orders with various other restrictions.  Since then I have only been able to see Mom through a window.  With her hearing and vision failing, it is very difficult to show pictures, tell about family activities, and be family to her as in the past.  She has become very withdrawn, and spends her days looking out into the inner courtyard at the seasonal flowers as they bloom.

Our church has been on line, and just recently started to have in-person worship again.  All member activities are on hold, and the community has been shuttered, with take-out food services, medication and grocery services brought out to vehicles or delivered to homes for a fee.  The few who are allowed to shop have to go at specific times of day and everyone wears a mask.

Worship services are now more ‘normal’, but few are venturing to gather.  We can have 25 per cent of our capacity, with six feet distancing.  Wearing masks is required when entering the church.  Every other week our pastor has had ‘drive through’ communion after the second service for those who were not comfortable attending services in person.  Services for them are recorded and can be watched at home on You Tube or other services.

As a parish nurse, I have been challenged beyond anything I have ever experienced in my 50

plus years as a practicing nurse.  Schools are online and will continue as we begin our Fall semester.  Parents and teachers are having to create new ways of presenting the curriculum.

My health activities, such as blood pressure checks, height, weight and vision screening are done via Zoom, Facetime, printed instructions and very restricted in-person opportunities.

I have had conference calls and Bible studies for senior members via Zoom, with a family member helping them learn the process.  Several nurses have been sharing health topics around the picnic bench.  (Outside gatherings are easier for social distancing.)  We have continued to do the Walk and Pray Hour around our campus, stopping for a five-minute Bible verse and prayer, and then continuing to walk.

These are the challenges!  Now for the blessings.  So many in our faith family have stepped up with willing hearts to provide food, pick up medications, send birthday cards, get-well cards, bulletins, newsletters and more.  We have had volunteers from our church and school family help repaint, relay carpet, and remodel the office and the child-care section of our campus while we are shut down.  We have crews tending to grounds care and projects that are difficult to do when people are around.  Our members are getting cards and pictures of the activities and have enjoyed driving through the campus to see the new things.

Body, mind and spirit are getting a boost from the usual day-to-day routine. Many have commented to me that they are getting to study scripture without the daily rush of the pre-COVID-19 life.  Visiting family has taken on a new priority.  Taking time to read, walk, pray together, and create new memories has given spiritual strength.  I am so excited to see what we can all bring to the table when we are able to return to the new normal.

When I took some personal supplies to my mother recently, three young boys were outside a

window reading their ‘Bible Story of the Week’ to their grandfather.  They were so excited and one said to me, ‘Gramps said he learned about this story when he was my age.  That was a long time ago!’  What joy to be a nurse seeing our Lord’s words still bringing such joy and love to help as the depression, loneliness and sadness disappeared for a while.  That was health care in action!

In a recent devotion I read, ‘Have we so soon forgotten the Lord?  Have we so quickly turned away and forgotten the one who is strong in battle and mighty to save?’  The healing miracles, the victories, the provisions, the sustaining hand ... a very big help in time of need and always.  Our Lord is there for us and I am enjoying the best nursing job I have ever been privileged to have ... sharing his love, his strength, his healing help, and prayers to him.  We can and will get through this pandemic stronger and better in every part of life.  Thanks be to God!

Cynthia Rutan, Parish Nurse

Peace Lutheran Church and School, Bremerton, WA, USA