It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

While certainly a cliché headline, for some reason the famous line from “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens popped into my head this week and just would not leave. I think it was telling me to write about it. So, let’s at least start with that and see where it leads. The book was required junior high reading if I recall correctly.

We all know that there is a bad side to people being quarantined for weeks. Regardless of how much you love your significant other or family members some people just need some alone or quiet time. Others are quite content to be “boxed in” so to speak.

This brings out both the best and the worst and all points in between. The global pandemic that is COVID-19 has certainly changed our dynamic and the landscape of our nation. As things begin to reopen there are still many unanswered questions. “If they develop a vaccine will everyone be required to get it?” That is just one example.

There are many positive stories and examples right here in Coshocton County. I think that what our teachers and administrators have accomplished during this time is nothing short of a miracle. Adapting to a totally new way of teaching and helping kids is indeed a terrific example of the effort that teachers put forth for our kids.

Next on that list would be the parents and how they adapted to helping teach their kids from home. Let’s face the reality here. Learning to teach kids typically takes a four-year education and often more. There is probably no industry existing where the percentage of employees have a higher-level education than in our school system. So, I think hats off to the parents for stepping into a role that, at times, was no doubt uncomfortable. I barely passed algebra – actually, I am not sure that I did – so I would be no help to a youngster struggling with x-y equals whatever. See, I told you. Ask me about history and that is another subject entirely. Which, it is.

Humor aside for a moment, we are most assuredly in a different place in our community, state, nation and world. With events being cancelled left and right one wonders when things will return to some sense of normalcy. Now I am hearing that Ohio State football games will feature social distancing seating. That will be different. What will we do about the band? Every other trumpeter is just gone? Drummers? The list goes on and on and makes the brain tired. At least it does mine.

If you are wondering about the major league baseball season, the discussions between the players association and major league baseball have a shortened season starting in July – with the sticking point right now being the number of games played and the reduction in players salaries. Rest assured, baseball will happen this summer. Maybe the Indians will have a shot in a crazy season.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion