If you want to find a silver lining about the Wuhan coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, one can look at what we have learned. Not just about dealing with the next outbreak and how to reduce our vulnerability but also about what we ought to value — both now and after the war against this virus is won.

It often takes an event like 9/11 or COVID-19 to make us realize what is truly valuable to us, rather than chasing things. In a world that will be changed — even after COVID-19 is defeated — there are things that we should hold on to.

Family and Faith

The enforced separations we see of medical providers, first responders, senators and congressmen, and even the prime minister of the United Kingdom from family as a result of testing positive should make us aware of the value of family. The inability to travel to be with family also plays a huge part. Not every family dynamic is the same, but we should remember those who are family and make sure to cherish the time we have with them.

In a similar vein, another one of the hardest things has to be the inability to go to one’s place of worship. The free exercise of religion is the first right enumerated in the First Amendment — something that should tell us how valuable faith and the freedom to practice it is. We as a country should look to renew faith, if only for the hope that it provides in the darkest of times.

Local Businesses

While some CEOs of big business have stepped up to absorb the pain, small businesses are taking a big hit. But these small businesses, often run in smaller towns, are also valuable and very vulnerable. The local restaurants, supermarkets, and shops should get some part of that $1,200 stimulus check. They are the people who provide the glue for a local community, and supporting them is a chance to get to know people in your town.

Those Who REALLY Keep America Running

There are the forgotten Americans, too. They stock our grocery stores and drive the trucks that bring the supplies. They are the mechanics who keep the trucks running and the people who make the equipment our medical providers need. They are the clerks at gas stations and the folks who run restaurants. They all help to keep the country going.

Sports and Entertainment

This is last on the list, but that doesn’t lessen the importance of the leisure time Americans share. Like a lot of Americans, this author was looking forward to Opening Day and how the Milwaukee Brewers were going to dominate this season. People were eagerly anticipating March Madness and their brackets. The NBA and NHL were headed for playoff season. There was the NFL draft and those wondering how the Nick Foles trade would affect the Bears. Many other entertainment venues have shut down, including movie theaters. But all this will come back in some form — and Americans should take the chance to reclaim what we miss.

The fact is, though, America will win against COVID-19. We will recover from what we had to do to beat it. We will be able to get back to things we miss so much, and we will value those even more.

(Edited.)