Speaking for myself, in a most unsettling way it feels as though the community of family and friends Roma and I count on, the ones we want and need around us, have been pushed away from us at the very time we most want to know they are safe and well.
Just look at this morning’s newspaper headlines. Consider the level of disruption. How often have you read about shopping riots in your own town……..over toilet paper and hand soap? Employment, the center of so many lives, both economically and socially, has been turned upside down for many, gone for some, and perhaps potentially dangerous for others.
And what about the cumulative chaos of closing schools? Well established routines are being disrupted big time. For many families ‘childcare,’ already a major element in their ‘work/school/childcare’ triangle, is suddenly THE major question requiring an answer.
And consider the 180 degree turn in the events and institutions that impact our lifestyle. Beyond school closings and shopping riots there are cancellations of every sort. For TV sports addicts like me turning off the NBA, March Madness, Premier League, and other events has left a big hole in my life. For others darkened Broadway theaters, movie houses, concerts, and other local venues create the same void.
Looking ahead, there is so much we don’t know……..so many opinions, so few verifiable facts. And what we do see is often foreign and surreal. For folks of any age, but especially our October and November friends, the world has become a disorienting place, where our means of navigating may feel out of date.
But deal with it we must. This is not the time for denial. Though we must be more careful then ever before, we must not forget the family and friends who want and need our attention. Whether by phone or email stay in touch with those special people. Help them in ways you can. Take time to spread your love into the suddenly dark corners of life in America…2020. And most of all, take care.
Good to hear from you, Gil. What I don't understand is why the constant talk about getting tested. If you're sick, stay home and take care of yourself. That's good advice right now anyway. If you go anywhere to be tested, you're bound to pick up the virus or spread it. Instead, we tune into
ReplyDeleteTV programs, and they, the famous "they" are angry and petty about lack of places to obtain a test. The news media is making me anxious because I might not be tested for this virus. Just their accusations made with ever increasing anxiety makes me think that as serious as it is, and it is serious, constant analyzing it is over the top. Meanwhile, I am praying that all of us stay protected and safe. I'll just try to stay home, work in my garden, listen to beautiful music and read a new book.
You're right, of course. The constant analyzing is over the top. But some of the numbers and unexpected results are hard for me to ignore. Besides, I will certainly miss March Madness and the Masters. Still, we're getting better at 'hunkering down,' and finding new ways to spend our time. Take care and stay safe.
DeleteJust back from a month-long stay in Tucson with my loved sister. Warm weather (82F), many walks in parks filled with mountain vistas and cacti, scrumptious meals with family and friends. Now today at home, outside 28F, snow falling, and I worry about that man I sat next to on the airplane because he was one of two people wearing a mask. And I caught a cold that sapped my energy and my optimism. But my daily mantra is: Cherish each day. For I have memories of that time with my sister and friends. Looking to tomorrow, we won't be able to visit our family and friends here at home, and we don't really know what challenges we'll face, but we talk to each other on the phone and will try to help when and where we can in the weeks and perhaps months ahead. Yes, we watch the news. But then it's time to turn that TV off and enjoy the quiet at home. Stay well. Stay calm. Cherish each day.
ReplyDeleteIt's a challenge, isn't it? Absorbing such drastically new lessons at our age. "Social distancing" doesn't come easy for some of us. Thankfully we live in a world where technology allows us to stay in touch in slightly less satisfying ways. And on the brighter side.......perhaps you have more time to concentrate on your next book. Could that be?
ReplyDeleteAs you say.....stay well, stay calm, and cherish each day.
Well said, Gil. This is definitely a time when we have to pull together.
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