“Crisis is what suppressed pain looks like ; it always comes to the surface. It shakes you into reflection and healing.” Bryant Mc Gill
Today’s column should have been my almost–annual April Fool’s day column. I had a host of bon mots and thoughts many including my lifelong friend Rick but somehow it appears life has already played a very cruel April’s Fools tragedy upon us.
In bad and rough times folks get together, converse, have dinner, have a drink or two, play some music, sing some songs, laugh and exchange a hug or two. History and our memories would always tell us these tough times will eventually dissipate. Hell that has always worked. We humans need that contact with other folks to see us through these difficult times. But we realize these pandemic times are much different. We must do it within the confines of our homes without the warmth of others outside of our cloistered walls.
“Be strong… Even when you can’t be.” Sam J. Cheda
How hard can it be to stay in your home and not get out and about? Much has been written about another generation who went through the Great Depression then WW 11. They were asked to serve their country and give up their lives. We are asked to stay indoors. What could be the problem?
“Tough times don’t define you..They refine you.” Carlos A. Rodriguez
Cabin fever can easily turn cozy quarters into a coffin like confinement. Think Jack Nicholson in The Shining. You are sequestered in your abode knowing full well you are unable to see your friends, neighbors, relatives, and grandkids. Add to this that your loved ones may develop the coronavirus and you will be banned from being there when they need you. This breaks your heart.Our new “ shuttered in” reality creates fear and anxiety. Sheila and I haven’t seen our five grandchildren for some time now. We do face time with them and that is a God send but somehow this is not nearly enough and seems to only magnify how much we miss them.
“Tough times never last, But tough people do.” Dr. Bhawna Sakta
Since I am fairly healthy I am physically able to go on my daily hourly walk through Turlock. Right before my walk begins I give thanks that I am able to do so. I am grateful my weary legs are still capable to keep on chugging and that I have a healthy heart and lungs that keep on pumping.
I have seen an increase in folks walking and many more walking with one or more dogs. Yet, there is an eerie silence that permeates these almost empty streets. Traffic is down to a minimum. I pass by three schools on my walk. They are closed. The playgrounds, usually filled with the excited voices of children are now bleak and empty.. The silence is disturbing in its loudness. The DMV I walk by usually has a long line of folks waiting to get in. I can can hear the loud speaker blaring, “Number 65, Number 66 ” notifying who is next to enter. Now the DMW is silenced, carless, and abandoned. Is this the new normal?
The thought of Sheila getting sick or me coming down with the virus is almost too painful to even consider. But we listen to and adhere to what we are told to do. Yes it is tough to follow orders and stay at home.We know it is for the best. But how long will this national self exile last.? It would be so beneficial ,so soothing if we could meet with our friends over a glass of wine, dinner, sharing thoughts and offering comfort to each other.
All of you be careful, stand your distance and stay healthy. We will make it through this hell. A lesson learned. The United States must never again be unprepared for this or any other type of disaster. We must pray and hope for he best of times but vigilantly always be prepared for the worst of times.
Hells Bells…. Our DNA is steel and iron. We should be setting the standards for being ready, alert, with a plan of action ready to be implemented. That is how Americans do things.
Until May 1: Read THREE books, hug your children, pet your dog, stroke your cat, eat many many bars of chocolate and IKIRU.