Love In The Time of Covid-19
Today my husband and I decided to venture out of our house/fortress to make a quick visit to a couple of family members and drop off a few care packages for them. Save for one trip that Phillip made to pick up some groceries a few days ago, neither of us have been out of the house for almost two weeks. We are trying not to take any risks.
As we have seen on news reports, the roads were quite clear. As we traversed local neighbourhoods, there seemed to be more people out enjoying an amazing spring day but still not as many as one would see generally.
We dropped off our care packages with gloves and social distance, chatting with our loved ones quickly and from afar, feeling very happy to see them. As we headed home, I couldn’t help but shake my head at this strange world we are now living in and how quickly things have changed. It seems like everything we have viewed as normal or expected - going to work, hanging out with friends, going for dinner or to the movies, all of these seemingly innocuous activities have become dangerous and put on hold. The bastions of everyday life are being tested with every passing day.
Most of us are scared. I know I am scared for my family and friends, anxious about this new normal and trying to adjust to just not feeling safe. My mind is often racing and my thoughts jumbled, trying to take it all in and trying to figure out how to navigate all of the information out there. Will we ever get back to the way things were (with less handshaking and a possible vaccine)? Will we be able to survive this pandemic? What do we really know about this virus?
What I do know is that humans are resilient and we will find ways. People are already adapting to not being together by using tools like Zoom, Whatsapp video, Facetime and so many other resources to keep in touch and to see one another. I popped my head in to say happy birthday to Phil’s aunt last week on Facetime and it was great to hear everyone laughing and having some fun. We chatted with my Dad on Whatsapp video on Sunday and all we could see, per usual, was half of his face because he forgets that he has us on video. Even getting the customary eye roll from my brother when video chatting with him feels good. Everything still feels normal in those moments, thank goodness.
Shades readers, we’ve written before about making sure you connect with those you care about. That sentiment means even more now. Don’t wait, just reach out!
We wish you a safe week ahead. Please follow all of the rules so we can flatten the curve and take care!