The Coronavirus Blues

Like most senior citizens, we are in quarantine for the duration. Luckily, we stocked up on groceries at the beginning of last week and already had lots of paper products. However, when those run low, we'll have to order food and supplies online with delivery from our local grocery store. I guess the good news is that we are spending almost nothing on gas, eating out or shopping. On top of this, I've had the mother of all head colds . No fever, but a nasty, productive cough. I did see the doctor, who put me on an antibiotic as bronchitis was beginning, the usual drill when I get an upper respiratory infection. It's finally getting better. I had to cancel a long-planned trip to Connecticut to see a friend, because she was sick with the flu and because it didn't seem safe to fly.

We've kept in touch with our three grandchildren through FaceTime, which, I have to tell you, is no substitute for hugs and kisses. Their worlds have been turned upside down and our daily routine of giving kids breakfast and getting them to school is gone. School has been cancelled and may not resume until next year. Poor Noah burst into tears, saying that he missed his kindergarten teacher, Ms. Garcia. They are not able to get together with their usual group of playmates, either. On-line lessons are to begin next week. Hannah and Reagan are working from home, but it's been difficult with kids barging into the office at every opportunity. 

Trying to fall asleep, I found myself thinking about all the life events that people are having to cancel. Graduations, weddings, birthday parties, high school proms, church services, etc. Andy, who loves sports, now has nothing to watch and no sports talk shows. I know he'll miss baseball this spring, as well as his beloved European soccer games. The whole thing seems rather apocalyptic at times, like nothing the world has experienced in recent years.

On the plus side, I can still take Toby for a couple walks a day, enjoy the birds singing and admire the trees bursting with their spring green leaves. Andy and I are pretty used to being homebodies. We still like each other and get along after 50 years of marriage, so there's that. Some of my friends are not so fortunate and find themselves very isolated with no one to talk to. I pray that our country can come out on the other side of this disaster, but for now there seems to be no end in sight. Stay well, everyone!

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