We need a 'People's Princess' right now, as the late Princess Diana of England was known as, or at least a 'People's Prince' to invoke inspiration in these trying times. 

Diana had a short but impactful life. The former Diana Spencer was the first wife of the heir to the throne Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she married when was barely 20. Princess Diana gave Charles two sons and Queen Elizabeth and her husband two grandsons, William and Harry -- but more than this, she grew into a compassionate figurehead and her influence extended far beyond the borders of the British Isles. 

I will never forget the glamorous Princess visiting an AIDs hospice and shaking a patient's hand without gloves on. This beautiful woman was well-informed regarding the transmission of the disease. In fact, a male nurse, himself AIDS-infected, complimented the unwavering dedication and courage of the Princess. Many folks back in the early 90s were extremely skittish of being near people with this virus. 

And I will never forget the image of the statuesque and elegant Princess, back in 1989, in a red suit cradling a 7-year-old with AIDS -- just heartwarming. 

Flash forward to today and COVID-19 and there is a similarity. Some think that contracting a virus makes one 'dirty,' which is just ridiculous! A virus is simply an infective agent with a protein-coated nucleic acid molecule that is infinitesimally small. But unlike an AIDs patient, a COVID patient can't be hugged.

I came across lovely photos of Princess Diana's childhood home Althorp House. The home is massive and majestic, fit for a future Princess.

I've talk to people of varying ages and circumstances. Universally, I have to say quite a few folks are depressed now. Even if they live in a gorgeous stand-alone home, restrictions, confinement to the house and limited social interaction have gotten to them.

What might make a difference would be to have a gentle uplifting presence in our daily lives. Unfortunately, I don't see any leaders currently with the heart and soul of the late Princess Diana -- or the ability to make you feel good.

She was a classy woman with a great sense of style. But beyond that, Diana displayed great empathy for others. The young woman became a symbol of hope for the mentally ill, those with HIV or victims of landmines. 

I've watched celebrities and politicians doing their thing on Facebook, Instagram (FB, IG) but their deliveries about coronavirus, though well-intentioned, pale compared to role Diana played as an advocate for AIDs and landmine patients. And that's why I miss her, especially now. We need someone to provide spiritual shelter in the storm -- a role model to swim us safely to shore. 

The closest thing I see that compares to the grace and courage of Diana are the doctors, nurses, health care workers, grocery and retail clerks, cab drivers, etc who work every day to keep us healthy and alive -- the true unsung heroes who often remain anonymous.