HEART OF STEELE

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people – including me – kept themselves isolated to stop the spread of the virus.

I remember the first day I felt brave enough to go out for a walk in the beautiful spring weather, headphones on, playing my favorite music. It felt normal, and normal was exactly what I needed.

While on a wide sidewalk, I saw two women approaching. They were walking a large dog, but I thought we had plenty of room to navigate around one another.

When they spotted me, they crossed the street, and I was struck by the shining example of how fear drives us apart.

Owatonna resident Beth Fink took the opposite approach during the pandemic. She reached out to her neighbors after realizing that she didn’t know them well. The result was socially distanced backyard gatherings and now, a holiday light drive-through event that has raised thousands of dollars for local charities.

We’re in the season now when it’s easy to isolate again. Maybe it’s over a fear of catching the flu or COVID or wanting to stay warm and cozy in our homes. Some of us, even though we’re Minnesotans, simply do not enjoy the winter weather.

But as Beth’s example shows, reaching out to others and making the effort to come together in difficult times pays benefits beyond the personal connections and new friendships we make.

So if you’re alone at Thanksgiving, go to the Community Dinner at the VFW Club–there’s no charge, and plenty of people are ready to be your new friends. Come out for the lighted parades on 16^th Street SE December 5 or downtown Owatonna on December 1, or find another special event to attend.

Get together with your community this holiday season. It’ll do your heart good.