Start a movement of compassion

To the editor:

I have been on the fence about writing this letter for well over a week now. However, it keeps tugging on my heart. I'll go with writing it perhaps to save a life or something.

I attended my annual crossing guard meeting here in Utah over a week ago. I came out of it rather disappointed and discouraged with the ones running it and a few fellow guards. There were close to two dozen of us in a very small room, most of us being over 50 and as old as 87. There might have been 2 feet between us at the three rows of tables.

The three police officers who ran the meeting didn't wear masks even though they had them hanging around their necks. Also, a handful of younger guards didn't wear masks.

On top of it all, it was a luncheon during which most took off their masks to eat in that same small room. Needless to say, I left until I had to go back in. I'm sure many reading this have similar stories. 

I really don't understand the lack of concern with COVID-19. Almost 180,000 deaths in the USA alone is not a number to ignore. Even more worrisome to me is the lack of concern and compassion for our neighbors wellbeing.

Wearing a mask is not a political statement. I hope you do go vote for whom you feel will be a great leader of our country. It's not about your constitutional right to wear a mask or not wear a mask. Sure, you have a choice in many situations as to put it on or not.

It is, however, a statement of your character and love for your fellow man. Wearing a mask helps to keep you from spreading the virus to others. You may not even know that you have it.

Please wear your masks, Jay County.

Wear them to outdoor gatherings where it is hard to stay at least 6 feet apart, things such as auctions, demolition derbies, sporting events, fairs, bike shows, festivals and of course our upcoming crowded engine and tractor show.

Kids, wear a mask at school, even if you are 3 feet apart. I hope that you will be able to continue going in person to school once it gets started. I want you to be able to enjoy all our schools have to offer. Truly, if you get involved with classes, clubs, band, plays, choirs or sports, it will be one of the best times of your life.

Jay County is sacred ground to me. I have lived in many places over the years. Jay County is and always will be the place I call home.

I am grateful to call you my friends and family. I want you all to stay safe and healthy. I would be very sad to lose any of you to this pandemic.

There are so many movements to get involved in these days. Why don't we take it upon ourselves to start the "Masked Movement of Compassion" right there in a place I love so much.

I will try to do the same out here in Utah.

Stay well my friends, 

Shannon Freeman-Frogge

Heber City, Utah