Here we are in March 2020 during the coronavirus lock-down. We are stuck at home during the worst, most unimaginable crisis we've ever experienced, and what do we do? Well, one thing we could do (but shouldn't) is sit and be fearful. I must admit that during the first couple of days, when the news that the pandemic had spread to the U.S. first came out, I was afraid. But afraid of what? I asked myself. Not of death, certainly, though I'm in the older segment of the population, but possibly of having to be hospitalized under the worst possible conditions. But, I answered myself, George and I are perfectly healthy, so why be afraid?
Was I afraid, I asked myself, that I'd be stuck at home for weeks or maybe months? But what better place to be, I answered. With George and the pets and a full fridge and loads of good books on the shelves. Was I fearful of world calamity, of humankind's basest instincts coming to the fore? Perhaps. Throughout history humans have been horrible to each other in times of crisis. But they've often been very kind, too, I told myself, as I saw soon enough signs of neighbors helping neighbors and donations being made to food pantries. Was I afraid of the horror and chaos at overwhelmed hospitals crammed with suffering, dying patients? Yes, that's it. Though it hasn't impacted me directly, as of today, the suffering and the angst and sorrow of families is horrible to contemplate. Chaos in general is pretty scary, too. Moving beyond the first couple of paralyzing days of this crisis, a sense of the surreal took over. This is really happening? But what are we to do? Manage as best we can, is all I could come up with. Following those first days, George and I found lots to do to try to keep ourselves busy: a couple of hikes around nearby nature preserves; long walks with our puppy Abby; looking for signs of spring; bird watching; reading, of course; making Toll House cookies (with added coconut, yum!); checking in with neighbors, friends, and family; gardening (can you believe how many weeds are already out there in early spring?); watching "Some Like It Hot" on TV; ironing (got that nasty pile down to half!); sitting in front of the fire listening to Chopin; and creating dinners focused on comfort foods. Ahh, food. Beef stew, shrimp sauteed with garlic and scallions, chicken tenders with BBQ sauce, and an Armenian dish we call manta (ground meat and onions flavored with garlic salt and ground pepper, mixed with shells pasta and topped with plain yogurt). Real comfort food! Though the best treat, I have to say, was the Toll House cookies! By now, I guess, we have reached a state of acceptance. Staying at home, being non-social, and worrying about toilet paper supplies, will be the new new normal for the foreseeable future. But we can do this. I know we can. Hang in there, everybody. Wishing everyone well and urging you to go outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring!
4 Comments
susan Gibbs
3/27/2020 09:14:49 am
so loved this. Glad you are well and finding productive thi gs to do.
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Linda Fitzgerald
3/27/2020 09:20:08 am
Now if I could only reach through this screen and have one of those chocolate chip cookies! Be safe..
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Norma Nixon Schofield
3/27/2020 09:30:03 am
Thanks. Very comforting in these trying times.
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AuthorI began blogging shortly after I published Nobody Home. I enjoy sharing my thoughts on writing, reading, and life. My earlier blogs can be read at Goodreads.com Archives
March 2020
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