If I could, I would wash away the sadness.

I would wrap you in my arms and hold you close to me, tight against my chest. It would protect you from everything that makes you unhappy and reduces your spirit. I would gently dry the tears and gently hold your head in my hands, looking deep into your eyes, reminding you without words that I am with you no matter what. We would hug again, a little too long; yet as we parted, we earned delicate smiles as we went our separate ways through the day, confident in the knowledge that we would be safely together again at nightfall.

If it were up to me, I would banish fear.

Standing tall, tower of steel erect and strong; arms crossed on my chest, facing the desolate; I would defend you as you stood behind me. Nothing would happen to bring you agony. No harm could penetrate. An invisible shield that lovingly protects you from everything that could cause you harm or make you hide in fear in dark places. The soft, bright, warm glow of inner strength would wash over you until you could stand tall by my side again. In that moment, arm in arm, the two of us would face the day, leaning on each other, looking forward once more.

If it were in my power, I would eliminate worries.

It would keep us in the present, realizing that everything that happened is gone and what is to come is powerless until it appears. We would rejoice in the Now, infused with the awareness that in this moment, in this moment, despite the maelstrom that swirls around us near and far, we are safe and together. Remembering that this moment is all we have; because the past cannot be changed and the future remains a shapeless shadow. Anxiety would subsidize. We would breathe deeply again, filling our lungs with a peaceful calm and savoring the perfect moment of the here and now.

If there was a way to achieve it, I would be cured of the disease.

If it was something I was capable of, I would wave a wand, pray to God, or meditate quietly on top of a peak; away the disease that has enveloped us. There would be no virus; no death counts on television or health alerts published in the news. Social distancing would become an oxymoron, as we would gather in too-close spaces, delighted to be around friends and even strangers. We would embrace with joy and abandon. The masks would be reserved for costume balls and Halloween parties. All together we would raise our glasses and sing songs to the beams of happiness and health.

If I had my preferences, things would be different.

We would celebrate the small events and praise the educated and health care providers for keeping us in strong wellness. Our classrooms and playgrounds would once again be filled with the boundless eagerness of children, eager to learn and play. Patrons would pour out of theaters at the end of a summer blockbuster, their excited chatter filling the parking lot, as they went myriad ways, driving to bustling restaurants and bars and fearlessly waiting in line for tables at crowded establishments. There would be no floor reminders to “stand here” and hand sanitizer would never again be a precondition for entering a building.

If it were my decision, things would be so different than they seem today.

There would be more joy and fewer tears. Politics would be a healing force, not one used to create more “us” and “them.” There would be no videos of department store customers throwing merchandise on the floor, acting like screaming demons because they were asked to protect public health. Group homes would not instill fear, but would represent protection and support; like they’re supposed to. We no longer crossed the street to avoid passers-by, but kept going, even saying hello and possibly shaking hands.

Unfortunately, these powers are not mine to have or to give.

So, as we go through these difficult times together, I wish each of us to stay healthy, stay strong, embrace each other in love and light, and know that there is a bright, sunny new day waiting for us when we rise from new; which we will surely do.