The coronavirus is taking its toll, for sure.

The human tragedy is just that, a tragedy. Congress finally moved on a $2 trillion aid package, yet the virus continues to wreak havoc across the nation.

But this will end, and then what?

Will we come out of this a stronger, more unified country? Or will we return to the division and hatred that exudes from Washington and spreads throughout our society, much like a virus itself?

Along with the illness and death associated with the coronavirus, we see so many millions of Americans unemployed, struggling to make car or house payments, some not able to buy groceries or supplies. It is also a tragedy, not so well hidden in nearly every place in America.

But there are also shining examples of what could be when all this ends.

I see companies continuing to pay their employees and cover their health insurance. I see financial institutions waiving fees and extending payment options. I see schools still supplying food to those in need and people donating rubber gloves to pharmacies who were in desperate need. I see auto companies offering to retool to make respirators and folks checking on elderly neighbors.

But, mostly, I see a nation that has succumbed to the realization that we truly are all in this together.

That begs the question, why does it take a tragedy to bring out the best in people or to renew a sense of patriotism or to do the right thing, regardless of some silly political party association?

The last time I got this feeling was after the 9/11 attacks.

We rallied in American can-do attitudes, from “we will never forget” to the singing of “God Bless America” at nearly every major sporting event.

We had a renewed and heartfelt support for first responders and the military. We acted quickly to ensure more safety measures, especially in the travel industry. We immediately began a concentrated fight to eliminate terrorism.

It seemed, for a short time, American pride became larger and more important overnight.

Well folks, we are facing a monumental new enemy that will leave a permanent mark on our country.

With the tragedy of death and sickness and the personal and financial cost of this pandemic, which may never fully be known, this is giving us an opportunity to change the role of government, business, health care, and personal responsibility for the better for future generations.

We would have to overcome a poor track record, and maybe need a miracle to end the everlasting partisanship, yet, if we unite as a society, we can emerge from the darkness with a newly lit path to prosperity.

If you are a child of the 60s, as I am, hasn’t that been our vision all along?

We have learned that many employees can work from home, that family time is a treasure, that we can do things differently in our lives, like social distancing so as not to infect others, and give to those in need.

We have learned to extend credit to those in dire financial circumstances, to be flexible in policies and fees, and I hope we have learned that hoarding means that, while you may now have more than you need, others are going without (that is wrong and immoral and a lesson in full view, if we’re wise enough to see it).

It’s not often we get the chance to fundamentally change our world, our nation, and our society. Let’s not blow this. Let’s stay as strong tomorrow as we are today. Let’s demand government does the work we hired them to do. If not, fire them and hire representatives who will.

Buy American whenever possible, and let’s help rebuild with Americans making the medicines and drugs, the personal protection gear, etc.

Shop with businesses you have read about that are taking care of their employees in these dire times. Bank with financial institutions that are concerned about their customers as much as their bottom lines.

And, most important, let’s continue to be more aware of our neighbors in need.

We are not there, yet, but, when we see this tragedy begin to wane, let’s not return to the past so quickly.

Let’s remember the sacrifice of so many others who were working to keep us safe and healthy. Let’s remember those who lost their lives and the many more who are ill. Let’s remember how we rallied to beat this virus. Let’s remember that, even though we may not always agree, we truly are all in this together, and, together, anything is possible.

One thing I see as certain, we as a nation will not be the same. So again, what will be like when this is all over? Time, as always, will tell. Share your thoughts with me at gregawtry@awtry.com.

Greg Awtry is the former publisher of the Scottsbluff (Neb.) Star-Herald and Nebraska’s York News-Times. He is now retired and living in Hubbard Lake. Greg can be contacted at gregawtry@awtry.com.