What makes me sad about this latest surge is how the defiance and ugliness of others affect our own family and friends, some of whom are nurses treating COVID patients who continue to complain about the vaccines and masks.  Wow, I have no words.

We have family and friends who are teachers and have colleagues who are outright disrespectful to them, either by wearing masks on their chins or not at all.  But those same educators demand their students follow the classroom rules to maintain safety and order.  As teachers, we have always taught the Golden Rule. Did we forget what it means? 

The real truth is that there are three safe, effective, free and widely available vaccines at more than 1,400 locations in our state.  No one has died from the vaccines, but more than 11,000 Louisianans have died from the virus. The overwhelming majority of hospitalizations and deaths are among the unvaccinated.  As many doctors and nurses who are on the frontlines in our hospitals have said, our only way of combating this latest surge is with vaccines and masks.  Anyone in our state can call 211 to get their questions answered or find a vaccine location near them.

I also have loved ones who have chosen not to be vaccinated. I don’t agree with their decision, but I still love and am kind to them. Why? It is the right thing to do, and we are called to be good, honest, truthful, and kind.

John Bel works many late nights and weekends. I know he is tired both emotionally and physically. But I also know he is committed to doing what is right by our people and finds great joy serving our state.  That’s a gift from God.

One evening after a recent press conference, I said to John Bel, “Don’t you just want to give up on these people who are so completely defiant of the facts?” In a caring and calm voice, he said, “Donna, I can’t give up on them.”  Such compassion and patience. My husband genuinely cares. 

Each morning before John Bel leaves for the day, we pray together. He often leads. We thank God for our blessings and pray for those who are sick, health care workers, family and friends and that our people will come together in unity.  We offer it up and trust in the goodness of God to lead our day and bless our work.

As I close, I have one simple question: Can we just be nice to each other?    Because if there is anything this virus has shown us it’s at the end of the day, we are all truly connected in some way. We are all children of God.

Love to all,