“New Normal” is a phrase that has been tossed around a lot over the last few months. I have absolutely no idea exactly what the definition of that phrase is other than “changes”. Most of us tend to be creatures of habit based on our personal experiences. When we move, get married or have children a “new normal” occurs that we have to adapt to. In all of the above cases, the emotion that usually accompany those changes is “hope”.

When the “new normal” is caused by something negative like the death of a loved one, loss of a job or a natural disaster most of us jump to “fear”. “What am I going to do now?” Fear turns to hope at some point in time.

A worldwide pandemic is an entirely different matter; especially when there is no previous knowledge about its cause or cure. We are walking a path that is not lit up by past experience and knowledge in our life time.

I drove past a church last week that had a sign on their marquee that said: This too shall pass I believe this to be a true statement and hope that it will be sooner rather than later. I have always had a streak of optimism. I think that has been fueled by my occupation as a publisher of hometown magazines. All of us at the office have had an opportunity to read hundreds of stories that highlighted perseverance, integrity, love, faith and overcoming adversity. The life experiences in the articles encourage me and give me confidence that we, as Americans, will overcome our current adversities and become a better people and “nation under God.”

God bless and keep you!

Jay and Patti Martin