If there’s only one thing that we as a nation take away from this seemingly never-ending Covid-19 pandemic, I hope it’s the realization that we are not as divided as we seem. This virus doesn’t care who it infects, and although some communities and groups are more vulnerable than others, no one is guaranteed to not get it.

One important thing missing from the endless squabbling among politicians, citizens, and probably even dogs and cats at this point is understanding. We just don’t seem to get one another, and we don’t seem to have the patience to make the effort. It’s easier to assume we know who someone really is based on demographics or who they spend time with or which restaurants they frequent. We’re too busy and overwhelmed and exhausted and hooked on our electronic devices to really try to understand who people really are and why they believe the way they do.

But in a pandemic, do we really care who is supplying us with masks, or hand sanitizer, or the best intel on where to buy toilet paper? I doubt it. Are we going to fret over the political beliefs of those risking their lives to care for sick loved ones or keep us safe? Unlikely. We’re all just trying to get through this. That’s not hard to understand. We all, no matter what we believe or who we support, want the same things right now. We want for our families, our friends, and ourselves to be safe and healthy and able to meet financial obligations. It’s easier to remember that when we’re all trying to move the same mountain. I hope we can carry the memory of this time with us when we’ve gotten past this and returned our focus to moving our own little mountains.