Standing as one

Today, all Vermonters woke up to see a mild spring snow covering the ground. We all saw the beauty of it, shared a familiar sight, and just maybe, were a bit relieved to see it melt so quickly.

Throughout the pandemic, "We're all in this together" has been the headlining theme of the world's response, and it's true. As one people, we will confront challenges, craft solutions and emerge stronger from this crisis.

However, we should remember the power of "all." In this context, the word demands to be heard beyond the surface meaning of the full phrase, that we all face the same problem. Profoundly, it means we're all in the collective "here" together, with an opportunity to impact the collective good and cultivate a vibrant future.

Every good deed helps us row in that same direction together. Amid the storms — whether it's budgets, the fate of state colleges, job loss — the good we grow by helping others is still important. It doesn't matter where we were born, what our license plate says, how we worship, what political view we hold. We own our world community's future together.

Make no mistake: Much has changed, much will change, and what we once knew won't apply anymore, at least not in the same way. But we each have a role to play on this new stage that's being formed. It is ours to claim, and the inclusive embrace of togetherness is a good place to start.

— Gareth Henderson