Bob Artis, DG
 

The Hawaiian word for family – ‘ohana – is derived from the sacred taro plant and emphasizes that all members come from the same root. The ‘ohana provides a sense of unity, common purpose, and collective responsibility. Bound by our vision for a better tomorrow, the ‘Ohana of Rotary is a diverse network of humanitarians who see solutions in the face of great challenges. We are an international family united by our value of Service Above Self and we are stronger during this time because of selfless leaders like each of you.

 

In life, there are three phases of a storm:

1. Going into it

2. Already in it
3. Coming out of it

 

We are in the midst of a mighty bad storm and may have been caught 'flat-footed'. However, I'm confident we'll come out of this storm more inspired than we went into it. At no time in our recent Rotary world have we been faced with such a daily barrage of unpleasant news. A world filled with travesty and uncertainties where survival has been threatened by nature and the best we can do is to be on our knees while we distance ourselves from our loved ones - not out of anger but pure love and concern for their safety. We are bound to feel lost and hopeless. We now have COVID – 19 but Polio ignited a dreadful fear across the country especially in the summertime. The virus particularly struck children, forcing swift closures of schools and playgrounds and, in the sweltering heat, swimming pools. Towns shuttered, families isolated. Thousands died, others were hospitalized and some left permanently paralyzed or with post-polio syndrome. The Salk vaccine was still years away.

 

“It was a scary virus,” said Stacey Stewart, President/CEO of March of Dimes, which started as FDR’s National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis but quickly took on the name that reflected the public service call for Americans to donate their dimes for a polio solution. Today we have nearly wiped out polio but still, have a bit to go. So it will be with COVID – 19 we will find a cure and wipe it out too.

 

My Rotaract and Rotary ‘ohana’, be strong for hope is not lost, We have always stood tall during such times. Although we mourn those of our family, friends (5 for us), and acquaintances whose lives were lost to this pandemic, let us remember to celebrate their lives and the lives of those who fought through the wretched disease. 

 

As Rotaractors and Rotarians let us remain strong and CONNECT with at least three people daily in our sphere of influence and show Care, Concern, and Compassion.  Keep reading for this month's Connections.....