Hey Red Wing Community YMCA friends and family!
While there have been other times in history where a crisis or conflict has caused cancellations or postponements of highly significant events, (i.e. World Wars, civil rights conflicts, the Great Depression, 9-11) it has never been so prominent nor widespread as what we have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, it transcends geographical borders, political ideology, race, creed, age, and socio-economic status.
You, our members, our kids, our seniors, our entire population have experienced a significant loss. We have not been able to finish out the year as we had hoped and anticipated; making lasting memories with friends, teachers, coaches, school communities, our churches, jobs, and typical social circles.
While most events are cancelled completely, others are being held virtually, still others are being held outdoors, with limited attendance and in some cases those in attendance being gloved and masked.
I am one who believes that lessons of life can be learned through both good and difficult times. We are a generation who, while the losses may have been impactful and even somewhat painful, we have learned perseverance, creativity, grit, and ways to be successful in spite of it all.
Many have reconnected with family in ways that had been long forgotten. Sit down meals have became commonplace and have reconnected us with values of spending time together, laughing, playing games, and slowing down to appreciate some of the simpler things in life. For these simple things we can be grateful.
Some of us have become technology experts in applying and demonstrating our knowledge in new and exciting ways. For me, I have learned to ZOOM like a pro. We have all learned and tutored each other, connected with each other and socially interacted in a manner that provided essential support for each other. And though we have remained socially distanced, at the end of the day, we still found a way to connect with others in mind and spirit.
We have experienced first-hand local, national and world leadership on stage. Much of it was amazing, as people and policies reacted in a manner that were commendable and saved lives. Other leadership was poor as we determined fact from fiction...but even so taught us important lessons of what not to do. I write this letter today in hopes that we can all realize that life is full of ups and downs. Just as a fire shapes iron, you too will be sharpened by all of this. It is critical how you respond to the experiences you have. These are the moments that shape you and mold you into the people you are to become; to refine you for greater things.
I challenge you to look closely at what important lessons you have gained. We can overcome most anything. We have learned that at times personal sacrifice is necessary for the greater good. We have learned that both science and faith play important roles in our lives. And, most importantly, we have learned that we have what it takes to not only survive, but thrive in spite of it all.
I am excited for us and what our generation will bring to our future. We will change the world for the better, of that I am certain. Now let's go into the world and leave our mark!
Mike Melstad
