MARK LOUIS COHEN

Most of us excel at wearing masks. We've done it all our lives. To fool our friends, our colleagues, even the ones we love. We wear these metaphorical "masks" to hide who we really are and what we really think, because we want to fit in, gain approval and minimize conflict. Masking used to be a way to hide our emotions, like jealousy, anger or rage. But not anymore. Metaphorical masks are gone. Used up by tens of thousands of dead Americans. And more worldwide. We don't have time for metaphorical masks anymore. We're donning real masks. Surgical masks or cloth ones for those of us who can't get a real mask. Hoping to be safe. From the virus. And everyday, our doctors and nurses go to work wearing those same surgical masks that all of us want. Risking their lives and losing them. Because they took an oath to take care of us. Along with all the other people who have come to be recognized as indispensible. Who are all these heroes? We are all in their debt.

Also known as: Mark