One of my favorite books is Citizens of London by Lynne Olsen. One of the many things she describes in detail are the sacrifices the British had to make during World War II. Americans sacrificed during war but nothing like the British.
Suzy and I were talking about what else — the virus — this morning after my doctor explained that the virus was likely to get much worse until the vaccine is developed. Like most of us we are all fed up with the virus and how it has affected our lifestyle. We can’t travel, we can’t go out to eat without risk, and our children and grandchildren are enduring all kinds of problems. The list of alterations to the way we lived just a few months ago is long indeed. And Suzy and I are hardly suffering.
So I tell myself to quit whining. Sacrificing a lifestyle is hardly what the British had to endure for a much longer time and with a greater risk. Every time I put on a mask I am helping my neighbor. Every time I eat at home rather than going out I am helping my neighbor. Each and every one of us ought to be able to make small sacrifices for the greater good.
I am prepared to sacrifice a lifestyle for my neighbor and myself. What do you think?
Webb, I saw a PBS documentary a while back about what British citizens
endured during the Nazi aerial bombardments. Makes one want to
kneel and pray. Grateful today for all gifts, every breath. Bless.
I think you would also enjoy Eric Larsen’s new book “The Splendid and the File”. He moved to NYC right as the horribleness of 9/11 occurred. He thought what could be worse – The Blitz”. It was the inspirations for the book. Glad you liked “Citizens of London”, Our copy was given to Carl by the the grandson of the American Ambassador to the Court of St. James, John Winant. The grandson and his wife are great friends who live in Princeton.
Mary