Karen Celestino-Horseman: The fireflies have returned

Here’s a fact, in case you hadn’t heard: The number of fireflies has for years been decreasing around the country.

Scientists opine that the decline of fireflies is due to destruction—through development—of the firefly’s natural green habitat as well as light pollution distracting it from engaging in its lighted mating dance. Some speculate that folks’ hunkering down this spring, though, has cut back on pollution and commercial nighttime lighting.

The delightful return of fireflies to my downtown back yard confirms that something has changed.

But life has changed for all of us. For the first time in many years, I have no idea what tomorrow might bring and that is disconcerting. Some days it is downright exhausting.

Whereas before, I thought about where we would go to eat or what movie we could see, I now find myself asking questions like: Will I be able to continue working? At what point might I be unable to pay for my home? Or worst of all, will I become sick?

There is no question life is difficult right now. We all put on a brave face. But in our heart of hearts, we sense that we are on the edge of an abyss into which we are hoping and praying we do not fall. When I was young, I thought I was invincible. Now, with years of life, I know all too well that no person or thing is invincible.

I tell myself: Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Tomorrow—well, maybe not tomorrow, but perhaps a few tomorrows ahead—life will be safer and more secure. But others who are very frightened of the rapid change we are seeing cling tighter to the life they knew before the wearing of masks and the days without social protests.

Regardless of how you adapt to change, when we emerge on the other side of all this, life will not be the same as it was pre-COVID. Employers have learned that having employees work from home does not hurt productivity and at the same time helps reduce overhead costs. We have learned that pandemics exist, and despite all our knowledge, the voice of a pandemic will be heard.

We have examined and questioned our social institutions and race and are struggling with how to move forward. Young people have learned they have a voice that likely will not be silenced. We have learned that we really do live in a global community, and to succeed, we must move alongside and with the rest of the world instead of walling ourselves off.

Our choice is how we adapt to the change. We can fight it and attempt to return everything to the way it was before—something I believe is an uphill battle we are bound to lose. Or, we can work to steer the change in a direction that will make our lives better.

I have to admit, I have noticed small improvements in my life. My cooking has gotten so good that I am not sure I will be able to eat in a restaurant again. I now have the vegetable garden I procrastinated planting for many years. I have time to take care of myself, to question myself and think. And to my delight, the fireflies have returned to my back yard.

These are small victories, but victories nonetheless. It is the small victories that propel us forward, and that is the direction I intend to go—ahead, following the fireflies.•

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Celestino-Horseman is an attorney and represents the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus on the Democratic State Central Committee. Send comments to ibjedit@ibj.com.

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