The Pandemic vs. The Volcano

This week marked the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in southwestern Washington state. For those in the Inland Northwest at that time, life veered away from the normal. Schools and nonessential business were closed. Some college graduation ceremonies were canceled or postponed. People stayed home or wore face masks when they went out. Sound familiar?

It's ironic that life during the COVID-19 pandemic is eerily similar to life in the aftermath of the Mt. St. Helens eruption. Even the days leading up to the event show a lot of parallels--closing areas near the volcano to the public, advising businesses to shut down, telling people to look after their personal safety. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty then just as now.

The pandemic and the eruption are natural disasters that cannot be controlled. However, our reactions to such things can be. Keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, helping those who need our help, and being kind to each other in times of crisis are things that we can do something about. This was true after the Mt. St. Helens eruption and it's true during this pandemic.

Life has returned around the volcano since that fateful day in 1980. Grasses grow and wildflowers bloom. Various animal species call the area around Mt. St. Helens home. Life has resumed, but there is a new normal. Life will resume after this pandemic as well even though there may be a new normal for a while. We just need to keep going, keep moving forward. Hang in there.

Wishing you good health, strength, and peace from the perch.