I heard the news March 29 that Oklahoma native Joe Diffie had died from complications of the Corona virus. He was a country music staple in the late 80s and 90s and unless I am mistaken was scheduled to perform this year at Sugar Creek Casino in Hinton.
I wasn’t all that big a fan, but songs tickled me because they spoke of average country people going about life. Who hasn’t known a kid who put graffiti about their high school crush on some bit of publiclyviewed property, using whatever color they happened to find in the shed? We all know people – or are people – who wouldn’t trade their truck for a new Coupe Deville. Those songs were perhaps redneck, but it was tongue in cheek redneck and I and a lot of others appreciated the lighthearted way he poked fun at us and himself.
The sobering fact, though, is this illustrates that the virus is no respecter of persons. It has hit and claimed homeless and stars alike. It has sickened royalty and leaders, and health care workers struggling to fight it when it hits others. No matter who they are or what they did for a living, even the way they are laid to rest will be impacted.
If no one is immune, what is the point of trying to curb it?
The point is if we can follow the rules – stay home as much as possible, only do the immediately necessary, stay away from others whether they be sick or well, and wash hands properly -- we can do much to stop the spread and stay well ourselves.
In the meantime, there is no need to panic. This is not the end of the world, although it may seem close. We can get through this by using common sense and being considerate of others. Keep in mind not everyone has strong immune systems. Someone else may be out of bread when you are trying to stock up, so leave a little for the other guy.
And for the love of Pete, don’t spread rumors or fearmongering. We are better than that, stronger than that, and we can all do our part to help each other.
Connie Burcham can be reached at Editor@WatongaRepublican.com