Dear Winona Community, As I reflected on my annual holiday message to you, and considered how to capture 2020, a quote from a classic fantasy novel, made into a blockbuster movie, came to mind. The following quote comes from the book The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s an exchange between Frodo Baggins and the wizard, Gandalf. They are taking a moment to reflect on their journey to save mankind, what this journey requires of them, and the treacherous unknowns along the way.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — J.R.R. Tolkien, Fellowship of the Ring
Not a one of us would wish for a global pandemic in our time, and yet, it is here, in our time. And there have been, and still are, treacherous unknowns. But what we can do, what we can decide, and what we can control is well within our abilities as we make this journey together. The word “Fellowship” in the title should not be lost on any of us. We may use a more contemporary word like community, but underlying that, is fellowship. Working together, supporting one another, and understanding the multitude of impacts this virus has had. At Winona Health, we are caring for people in our clinics, hospital and long-term care residences who have been very sick from covid. And the impact of covid has reached every corner of our community into businesses, schools, churches, gathering places like restaurants, bars, gyms and entertainment locales. We have had shutdowns, that continue even now, to reduce community spread. None of us would have wished for this. Our journey is not over, but even in bleak moments, a light is shining. There is now a vaccine that has an efficacy (effective) rate of 90 to 95%, which is almost unheard of, and it is here at Winona Health. While the initial focus is on healthcare workers and long-term care residents it is only a short time away to having vaccine for everyone in our community. We are moving from the reactive phase of the early months, past the management of the disease phase, into implementing a new method of prevention. And that inspires hope. We did not wish for a global pandemic, but in fellowship, together, we are persevering through this experience. This holiday season is about celebrating hope, new beginnings, and possibilities. Let us all pause, breathe, and reflect on the season. For we are living in an historic time of epic proportions and we have hope. On behalf of all of us at Winona Health, I want to extend our gratitude to our Winona community and the surrounding area for your support. It is our honor to be your community healthcare system. Our fellowship runs deep, and there is no one else we would rather travel this journey with than all of you. May you and yours have a peaceful, safe and blessed holiday season. Blessings, Rachelle H. Schultz, Ed.D. President/CEO
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