A Humbling Moment, Learning to Listen to the Prophet's Messages.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Not more than a few weeks ago, the thought occurred to me, that I have been listening to many Prophet’s warnings, about the need for food storage, and being prepared. So in my mind, “arrogantly of course”, I thought of all my preparations over the last 40 years, and how nothing has ever happened, where ai have needed such preparations. Then suddenly overnight the world has changed, much of it to do with panic, but also real issues to worry about. Within the last two weeks things have gotten out of hand here in Georgia. Even one incident that made, “National News”, when in my town at a store we shop at weekly, two people got into a fight over buying water. These two individuals had bumped into one another while trying to buy cases of bottled water, so one person grabbed a bottle of wine of the shelf, broke it over the head of the other man, and used the broken bottle to stab the man. A friend of our family witnessed the entire event,  although other arguments broke out in the same store, nothing happened at this on that level. 
 

Currently schools have closed down, and of course all know of the changes to General Conference, and no Church services until further notice. My Home Teacher, or “Ministering Angel”, (or whatever you wish to call it) called to see how we are, and if we needed anything. Although my wife was in the hospital overnight on Thursday, everything else, is and was OK. I was able to tell him (because of being prepared), that we needed no help. In our County, and all surrounding us, we have suddenly had a big outbreak of this strain of the flu, along with two deaths. Many of those infected, all traced back to a local Baptist Church, sadly enough. This of course is causing an even greater panic, and the worry of possible layoffs, or weeks without work or pay. Lines at grocery stores are hours long, “IF”, you can even find what you need here in our community, Store mangers are asking people to buy only one or two weeks of supplies, but many are not listening, which is causing more shortages. At some stores people are being limited of how much of one item they can purchase, but refuse to listen or obey. 

I had always thought that “emergency preparedness”, would mean being prepared for epic disasters, sort of on a Biblical scale. Now, I have come to realize that almost anything could create the need to be prepared. I am grateful that that we have listened in the past, and made ourselves more than able to weather this storm, at least for a month or two for sure, and maybe longer. Although I have been somewhat jaded, complacent, or dismissive of such warnings just recently, but I am thankful for listening in the past. Of course I have to give much of the credit to my wife, who insures we have what we need, for now we don’t have to worry as others do, who are in a serious panic, nor worry about altercations. My eyes have now been opened wide, too see just how easily things can turn serious, and  “turn on a dime”. 
 

I wonder, how many of you whom I love and respect are holding up, and if these recent events, have opened your eyes (has it has mine) to listen too, or as we sing, “Follow the Prophet”? I will never again take lightly his words of wisdom, and will (especially during this “only” televised General Conference) listen closely every word of every sermon. Something I should have been doing all along, but I am very thankful that my wife, and my children learned long age to listen too and follow the Prophet. 
 

I am not intending to make this a testimony type of thread, or to be boastful of our situation, but I am looking for others who have “words of wisdom” concerning this crisis for others who are a part of this community. 
 

So, how have you prepared? 

How are things in your part of the world?

What advice can you give to others, to prepare before things worsen? Of course I pray they do not, but fear in my part of the world, we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg. 
 

Also, how are you coping with this crisis, mentally, physically, and most of all “Spiritually”? 
 

So, I pray all are well, and also pray for your thoughts as fellow “Latter-day Saints”.  

[Tacenda]

I was talking to my husband today, and got emotional about getting a text from someone in my ward that reached out to make sure we were okay, love how the TCOJCOLDS place that loving blanket of love, when people are concerned or in need.

Thanks for this post Papa! I'm sad to see people react like those two fighting over water. I keep thinking that it's about time we in the US realize how lucky we've been, and the need to be good neighbors. And realize that we've been coddled so much, and maybe we need to feel 1 percent of what most of the world has to deal with. 

 

[Meadowchik]

I believe that one miracle in this crisis will be the appropriate application of math. The virus works in an exponential curve and social distancing and hygiene measures help "flatten the curve." They don't eliminate it or "stop the virus" but they will have a significant impact that will save lives and reduce overall disruption. It takes SO MUCH political will to take these protective measures. But even in the US which has a leader who's neglected appropriate responses, states and governors are still taking the measures. It's a wonderful thing when people can collectively act based on the abstract understanding of a difficult concept!

Here is a graphic illustrating the relationship between infection rates and differing responses:

 

Edited March 14, 2020 by Meadowchik

[Lemuel]

55 minutes ago, Meadowchik said:

I believe that one miracle in this crisis will be the appropriate application of math. The virus works in an exponential curve and social distancing and hygiene measures help "flatten the curve." They don't eliminate it or "stop the virus" but they will have a significant impact that will save lives and reduce overall disruption. It takes SO MUCH political will to take these protective measures. But even in the US which has a leader who's neglected appropriate responses, states and governors are still taking the measures. It's a wonderful thing when people can collectively act based on the abstract understanding of a difficult concept!

Here is a graphic illustrating the relationship between infection rates and differing responses:

 

I hope this changes social norms so that we start wearing masks when we're sick like they do in East Asia.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

20 minutes ago, Lemuel said:

I hope this changes social norms so that we start wearing masks when we're sick like they do in East Asia.

I have a cardiologist appointment on Monday, and the office building uses the same lobby as the hospital, kind of worries me. I wonder if I should go, because they wanted me to get an MRI first, but can’t until the 27th, because my heart monitor picked up a problem. At my age, and with my heart problems, it seems like a bad idea. Our hospital has two patients with the virus already. 

[Bernard Gui]

6 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Not more than a few weeks ago, the thought occurred to me, that I have been listening to many Prophet’s warnings, about the need for food storage, and being prepared. So in my mind, “arrogantly of course”, I thought of all my preparations over the last 40 years, and how nothing has ever happened, where ai have needed such preparations. Then suddenly overnight the world has changed, much of it to do with panic, but also real issues to worry about. Within the last two weeks things have gotten out of hand here in Georgia. Even one incident that made, “National News”, when in my town at a store we shop at weekly, two people got into a fight over buying water. These two individuals had bumped into one another while trying to buy cases of bottled water, so one person grabbed a bottle of wine of the shelf, broke it over the head of the other man, and used the broken bottle to stab the man. A friend of our family witnessed the entire event,  although other arguments broke out in the same store, nothing happened at this on that level. 
 

Currently schools have closed down, and of course all know of the changes to General Conference, and no Church services until further notice. My Home Teacher, or “Ministering Angel”, (or whatever you wish to call it) called to see how we are, and if we needed anything. Although my wife was in the hospital overnight on Thursday, everything else, is and was OK. I was able to tell him (because of being prepared), that we needed no help. In our County, and all surrounding us, we have suddenly had a big outbreak of this strain of the flu, along with two deaths. Many of those infected, all traced back to a local Baptist Church, sadly enough. This of course is causing an even greater panic, and the worry of possible layoffs, or weeks without work or pay. Lines at grocery stores are hours long, “IF”, you can even find what you need here in our community, Store mangers are asking people to buy only one or two weeks of supplies, but many are not listening, which is causing more shortages. At some stores people are being limited of how much of one item they can purchase, but refuse to listen or obey. 

I had always thought that “emergency preparedness”, would mean being prepared for epic disasters, sort of on a Biblical scale. Now, I have come to realize that almost anything could create the need to be prepared. I am grateful that that we have listened in the past, and made ourselves more than able to weather this storm, at least for a month or two for sure, and maybe longer. Although I have been somewhat jaded, complacent, or dismissive of such warnings just recently, but I am thankful for listening in the past. Of course I have to give much of the credit to my wife, who insures we have what we need, for now we don’t have to worry as others do, who are in a serious panic, nor worry about altercations. My eyes have now been opened wide, too see just how easily things can turn serious, and  “turn on a dime”. 
 

I wonder, how many of you whom I love and respect are holding up, and if these recent events, have opened your eyes (has it has mine) to listen too, or as we sing, “Follow the Prophet”? I will never again take lightly his words of wisdom, and will (especially during this “only” televised General Conference) listen closely every word of every sermon. Something I should have been doing all along, but I am very thankful that my wife, and my children learned long age to listen too and follow the Prophet. 
 

I am not intending to make this a testimony type of thread, or to be boastful of our situation, but I am looking for others who have “words of wisdom” concerning this crisis for others who are a part of this community. 
 

So, how have you prepared? 

How are things in your part of the world?

What advice can you give to others, to prepare before things worsen? Of course I pray they do not, but fear in my part of the world, we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg. 
 

Also, how are you coping with this crisis, mentally, physically, and most of all “Spiritually”? 
 

So, I pray all are well, and also pray for your thoughts as fellow “Latter-day Saints”.  

Yes. Yesterday Sister Gui asked me to inventory our storage. We are in very good shape even with things like cleaning supplies, etc. It seems to me that having an emergency stock should be a matter of common sense, but after my experience yesterday in unsuccessfully trying to get into local stores to make a small routine purchase and witnessing the panicked hoarding of everyday items, food, and water, makes me appreciative of the practical as well as spiritual wisdom of our prophets....not to mention the apparently thin veneer of social stability we may have.

As school teachers, we have built up pretty good immune systems, but this last month we have both had several bouts with colds and flu-like stuff, which is unusual. We both got our flu shots in the Fall. This was before the outbreak in the nursing home up in Kirkland, about 30 miles away.  Because of Microsoft and Amazon there is a very large mobile Chinese presence in that area. It is not unreasonable to conclude that  the infection may have entered as a result of some contact with infected people in China, but I don’t think Patient Zero has been identified. 

Our schools are closed until the end of April. Sister Gui has to go back for some instructions on how they are going to make that work. Seems like a better idea would be to communicate through email and phone messages....unless, of course, your computer has a virus that might be shared. In the meantime, she is out hiking with some friends and I’m going to practice my fiddle and watch some old Star Trek shows. We are planning some drives up to Mt Rainier and out to the coast.

I have been attending the trial for the lawsuit filed by the Cox family against the State of Washington over the deaths of their grandchildren at the hands of their father Josh Powell. He is the monster who killed his wife Susan in Utah and then moved back to his father’s home here in Puyallup with his two sons. The Coxes are long-time members of our ward. It has been going on for three weeks and will continue for at least two more. So far Washington hasn’t closed down the court system, but who knows what is next? I don’t feel at risk going to the courthouse. 

Edited March 14, 2020 by Bernard Gui

[bsjkki]

2 hours ago, Bernard Gui said:

I have been attending the trial for the lawsuit filed by the Cox family against the State of Washington over the deaths of their grandchildren at the hands of their father Josh Powell. He is the monster who killed his wife Susan in Utah and then moved back to his father’s home here in Puyallup with his two sons. The Coxes are long-time members of our ward. It has been going on for three weeks and will continue for at least two more. So far Washington hasn’t closed down the court system, but who knows what is next? I don’t feel at risk going to the courthouse. 

That sounds fascinating. What a sad, sad story. I am very grateful for a prophet and I hope this brings out the best in people and not the worst. Probably a little of both. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=italy+balcony+singing

There are many of these videos of the neighborhoods coming together the only way they can.

Edited March 14, 2020 by bsjkki

[bsjkki]

 

[bsjkki]

 

[Bernard Gui]

1 hour ago, bsjkki said:

 

Cool! One could store several rolls of TP in those pants in case of emergencies.

Edited March 14, 2020 by Bernard Gui

[The Nehor]

Fortunately we are unlikely to have a long-term food problem. I despise the miscreants who hoarded supplies and are selling them to neighbors at a markup. The medical supply shortage is possibly going to be a problem. I also do not get the toilet paper thing. This also caused a run on bidets. I was running low on TP and there was none at several stores. Fortunately you can get it at Home Depot and office supply stores so I just went to Home Depot and it was pretty empty. One would think the possibility of going into quarantine with more down time would be a good time to do home improvements. I have a friend in an area with a short term food shortage due to panic buying and she just went to the Hispanic grocery store. Ethnic markets experience much less panic buying it seems.

[The Nehor]

5 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I have a cardiologist appointment on Monday, and the office building uses the same lobby as the hospital, kind of worries me. I wonder if I should go, because they wanted me to get an MRI first, but can’t until the 27th, because my heart monitor picked up a problem. At my age, and with my heart problems, it seems like a bad idea. Our hospital has two patients with the virus already. 

I would give them a call on Monday morning and ask.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

On 3/14/2020 at 8:49 PM, The Nehor said:

I would give them a call on Monday morning and ask.

I woke up to take your advice, they had already called twice to cancel. 

[Calm]

20 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I woke up to take your advice, they had already called twice to cancel. 

It is remarkable how many essential appts are suddenly not essential anymore.  My sleep doctor's is down to one provider (from at least two most days) and opened from 10-3, so half the hours.  It is insurance demanding they jump through more hoops in my case, every three months instead of what was once a year...haven't changed my dosage in 15 years too.

Edited March 16, 2020 by Calm

[Raingirl]

9 minutes ago, Calm said:

It is remarkable how many essential appts are suddenly not essential anymore.  My sleep doctor's is down to one provider (from at least two most days) and opened from 10-3, so half the hours.  It is insurance demanding they jump through more hoops in my case, every three months instead of what was once a year...haven't changed my dosage in 15 years too.

Im curious to see what happens to my appointments. 

I am enrolled in a study for a potential new MS drug and my next big appointment is April 3rd. It’s at the VA. 

Also, I’m supposed to be getting some testing to try to figure out the cause of my fainting spell last week, which led to a nasty concussion. Even though there is a potentially serious underlying issue, after the governor’s latest press conference, I’m betting they don’t schedule me any time soon. 

[LoudmouthMormon]

On 3/14/2020 at 10:55 AM, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

I had always thought that “emergency preparedness”, would mean being prepared for epic disasters, sort of on a Biblical scale.

Well, COVID-19 sort of is nastiness on a Biblical scale.  It's just that human civilization is much more disaster-resistant than 1000, or even 100, or even 50 years ago.  My depression-era dad told stories about how illnesses like dysentery were treated by drinking soap water because nobody had enough money for medicine.  Today brought unprecedented news of a vaccine entering phase 1 clinical trials.  

We don't have to imagine what COVID would have been like 100 years ago.  We have records of the Spanish Flu.

It'll never be unwise to store up against possible adversities.

 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

16 hours ago, LoudmouthMormon said:

Well, COVID-19 sort of is nastiness on a Biblical scale.  It's just that human civilization is much more disaster-resistant than 1000, or even 100, or even 50 years ago.  My depression-era dad told stories about how illnesses like dysentery were treated by drinking soap water because nobody had enough money for medicine.  Today brought unprecedented news of a vaccine entering phase 1 clinical trials.  

We don't have to imagine what COVID would have been like 100 years ago.  We have records of the Spanish Flu.

It'll never be unwise to store up against possible adversities.

 

So true, never a bad idea to prepare, nor to listen to the warnings of the Prophets. This has just caught so many off guard, and suddenly we (I) can see how easily things can change, overnight. I fear that for a time, all of my children will become unemployed very soon, as it has already happened to my son. I fear soon it happen to his wife. Thankfully, my income does not come from my employment, but my retirement and Social Security. But even I worry that my pension might come under fire, as the City of Atlanta will soon see a serious reduction in revenue, and might try to suspend the pension of all my fellow police officers, and other City employees. The lesson being, no matter how secure one may feel, things can change very quickly. Thankfully, my well has plenty of water, my tank is full of propane gas, and my home and land are paid mine with no mortgage. My wife and I have worked hard, and made good decisions in the past, which includes heeding the warnings of past Church leaders. If necessary, we can aide or house our children and grandchildren, and even have Sunday Dinners, which is our most cherished family tradition, after church each week. Now that we don’t know when Church will resume, this coming Sunday, we will add Sacrament meetings.