The New Normal

Our world (and I mean everyone's) has been turned upside down in the last three weeks. For some the corona virus is life threatening. I'm thinking of elderly people, those with underlying conditions, those who are homeless and the 70 million displaced persons living in camps. But even for those of us who are reasonably safe, the situation has its challenges. What we once didn't even think about now seems precious. Like going to the grocery store. Like going anywhere. Like giving and receiving hugs. What we have instead are grocery deliveries (if one is lucky), virtual meetings with friends, and virtual choral rehearsals. All are great and much better than nothing, but truly, these "support services" don't quite do it. And now we are under lock down. The governor is no longer suggesting we shelter in place except for essential errands. It is now required. On the positive side, people are reaching out to others as they can. Musical offerings by amateurs and professionals on line have been uplifting. I especially liked the 12-year-old twin boys in Italy playing an enthusiastic rendition of "Viva la Vida." In our area a cellist plays on her porch for her neighbors. In another residents gather in the street to dance every afternoon at 5:00. Others are trying to cheer us up. Social media and inboxes are full of truly funny stuff from Carol Burnett's skit on toilet paper to a talking dog commenting on the virus. All of this helps, but we remain very worried. This is the new normal.

Covid-19

Two weeks ago life was normal. Our calendars were filled with hospice visits, classes, doctors' appointments, and Encore Chorale rehearsals. As late as March 12 we had friends over for dinner. But on Friday, the 13th (appropriate I guess) everything changed. The Corona virus had begun in China, spread to other Asian countries, and now to Europe. It would soon be here in the States and, indeed, it has arrived. Since it is reported to be especially dangerous, and even fatal, to older folks, we've been "sheltering in place" which means we are basically quarantined at home. We do go out for walks and drives in the countryside. It's a beautiful time of year, cherry trees in bloom, azaleas beginning. We count our blessings and try to concentrate on the positive. We order groceries, or Ian and Mike shop for us. Then we wipe them all down with disinfectant or wash them before putting them away. Did I mention we "oldies" are encouraged to stay away from grocery stores? Fortunately, I have been able to connect with friends and classmates via Zoom, something I had never heard of before last week. I zoomed with my Spanish class, with my local friends, and with a class on the Middle East. Thank goodness for the Internet! In addition to the health concern, I am worried about what this pandemic will mean for others less fortunate. Many families have no Internet access. How are they going to stay connected? How are their children going to benefit from on-line lessons from school? How are individuals who can't work from home going to stay afloat? Worrisome times and the conflicting messages from our president are only making the situation worse.