Seniors #ThatGoesWell
the rainbow, "The 7 colors of hope
A few days after the beginning of the lockdown imposed by the Legault government to all Quebecers, many citizens decided to display rainbows in their windows followed by the now famous slogan #ÇaVaBienAller. Initiated by Italian moms, the phenomenon has quickly won the hearts of people around the world. Thus, the intention behind the representation of the rainbow and its maxim was to encourage each other without asking anything in return. To consider that we are all in the same boat, facing the same difficulties. The most important thing is empathy, empathy for others, even if they are strangers.
The rainbow has become a movement
As the weeks went by, the movement grew to the point of being featured on a television show and visually set in motion on a grand scale. As a result, many frontline and essential service workers can feel the great support of the public at the end of their very long work days thanks to some of the buildings now lit up with the seven colors of the rainbow. Among the most flamboyant are the Olympic Stadium mast, the Champlain Bridge, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the Parc Jean-Drapeau Biosphere.
Certainly, this colorful movement brings a much needed support of hope in these difficult and unusual times. But, in addition, it is the witness of a strength of mutual aid, of a positive rallying that we had perhaps forgotten a little as a people. We had even come to question our motto "I remember". What exactly were we remembering? Our sacrifices? Our identity? Our accomplishments?
The rainbow, "The 7 Colors of Hope", will always be remembered
Although not completely over, the COVID19 pandemic seems to be showing signs of slowing down. Despite the deaths and consequences of containment, the virus will have some rather positive side benefits. First, we have rediscovered many of the resilient traits of our people in showing great creative power in the face of adversity. Secondly, we have seen together that we need to rethink from top to bottom how we care for the poor, the sick, the homeless and the elderly in our society.
The future will quickly tell us if we will remember!
If we, as a society, will learn from this long pause where we all had to step out of our comfort zones. As humans, as workers, as parents, as children, as friends or as caregivers, we will all gradually have to relearn how to live with a new flower of empathy and tolerance in our lapel. And why not display a multicolored lily to illustrate what will remain in our memory, but also, to testify with all the colors of the strength of a people that we have become again!
Let's keep hope alive #ThisWillGoForOurSeniors!