ANOTHER VIEWPOINT: Is there a way that you can help?

<p>(Portland) Commercial Review</p><p>Together.</p><p>You’ve read that word on this page a lot over the last few weeks.</p><p>We need to work together.</p><p>We are in this together.</p><p>We will make it through together.</p><p>Part of that message of togetherness though seems to not be getting through.</p><p>The commentary following Gov. Eric Holcomb’s decision to extend the state’s stay-at-home order was met with a certain amount of vitriol, not toward the governor but fellow Indiana residents. Some lashed out at those who are not following the stay-at-home orders, who have been seen going into stores as a full family.</p><p>There are certainly those who are simply not making any effort to follow the advice and/or orders being handed down by medical professionals and our government leaders. They continue to live their lives as they did before the coronavirus pandemic hit, doing whatever they please.</p><p>When it comes to those, we share in your frustration.</p><p>But, several commenters on our social media also pointed out that, for some, it’s not a simple task to take a solo shopping trip. There are single parents. There are parents whose spouses are on the road working for days at a time.</p><p>It’s not always easy to get out alone.</p><p>That said, if you find yourself in that position, you have some better options than putting your entire family at risk.</p><p>Walmart, for instance, offers curbside pick-up. Triple Taxi Service in Portland offers grocery delivery. The Rock Church is shopping and handling other errands for those in at-risk groups. Or you could call and ask a family member, friend or neighbor to help you out.</p><p>Meanwhile, if you find yourself in a position of frustration when seeing someone apparently not making good decisions when it comes to the stay-at-home order, try a path other than rushing to social media to complain.</p><p>Instead, ask yourself this question: Is there something I could do to help?</p><p>As difficult as this situation is, it has also provided endless opportunities to do good.</p><p>You can shop for someone who may find it difficult to get out alone.</p><p>You can sew face masks to be distributed in the community.</p><p>You can simply call or text your friends and neighbors to find out if there is any assistance they might need.</p><p>We can’t control how others behave. And some are always going to ignore the rules.</p><p>We can, however, control our own words and actions.</p><p>Let’s make sure our words are kind and our actions helpful.</p><p>The more of us who follow that mantra — together — the better off we all will be.</p><p><em>Send comments to <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</em></p>