Sandwiched
Empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another (Oxford Dictionary).
I have to admit, folks, with everything happening in the world, I almost wanted to skip writing this week’s column. How can I focus on a Sandwich Generation topic when the world is crying out for help in so many other areas?
Then I realized while driving and letting my mind wander that one word can help us with COVID-19, racial disparity, the sandwich generation, and so many of the problems we face today – empathy. But trying to be empathetic can be so hard because each one of us is carrying his or her own problems and challenges. Some struggle just to wake up, go to school/work, keep the household running, pay the bills, and/or accomplish what they need to for their own families. It’s often hard to look beyond that. But we all must do our part to bring about change in this hurting world.
Even I was overwhelmed earlier this week about how to be more empathetic. What can I do to help my black brothers and sisters in my limited spare time? How can I help those that are being crushed in one way or another by the COVID-19 situation? And what more can I do to help my mother who has been stuck in her assisted living facility apartment since mid-March?
I soon realized that I’d already been taking steps to be empathetic. I’ve been blessed to consult with an organization bringing art, culture and hope to the Near Westside Indianapolis Neighborhood for almost two years now. Its 17,000 residents are primarily minorities. I’ve been working to understand their challenges by attending events and reading some amazing books, including My Brown Baby by Denene Miller and My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menkem.
When it comes to COVID-19, my mantra from the beginning has always been “Be kind.” I’ve never worked in the medical field, had a serious illness, been temporarily laid off, or worked in a grocery store. But I can offer some encouraging words to the technologist during my mammogram, pick up groceries for someone with the virus, give $100 to someone who is struggling financially, or send a card to my friends at Dollar General.
Even though I can’t give my mother a hug yet, I can still be empathetic to what she’s going through. We’ve all had cabin fever at one time or another – especially with COVID-19! I certainly feel better whenever I can be outside. So, I’ve called her when I know it’ll be warm enough for her to sit out on her patio, which is in a safe, interior courtyard. She gets excited at the chance to feel the sun on her face and breathe some fresh air!
Dear Readers, let’s all work on growing our empathy little by little each day. When practiced more by millions (and I pray eventually billions) it can be a habit that can truly make a difference.