Millie Pinkerton

As a child, my parents had rules and regulations.

Some were, “Stop talking on that telephone and do your homework, dinner is on the table — come and eat (as a family), get up and get ready for church.”

My brothers, sister and I were expected to obey these and other rules and because of this we learned lifelong habits to love, respect, have responsibility and care about others.

Now here we are living in 2020, and we are being asked to follow rules. Wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands.

As coronavirus cases continue to rise, due to more testing, we are challenged to help stop the rise of deaths in our community.

It's very easy to think, “It won't happen to me.”

You are playing with fire. Set an example for those in your life you love and who love you.

I know it's difficult wearing a mask. I hate being confined, but it is necessary.

I was married to a caring and loving man, Dale Pinkerton, who made a difference in the lives of many in our community.

Toward the end of his life, anyone who came in contact with him was required to wear a mask. His immune system was compromised from procedures and treatments used to help him survive.

As I think back, no one balked or refused to don a mask. This was out of respect, responsibility, caring and love for him.

Is there someone in your life you care about enough to wear a mask for — to save their life?

Please think hard and long about this. We are on the uphill climb. Vaccines will be available soon. Help our community businesses, churches and our hospital staff among others.

We need your help.

Use common sense and wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance and keep your hands off your face.

We live in Butler County.

We will do this.

Millie Pinkerton, wife of former county Commissioner Dale Pinkerton, is a community leader who has worked for decades to improve the lives of county residents through service with charitable groups like the Rotary and is among the county's notable Distinguished Service Award recipients.