When my granddaughter’s university shutdown for the remainder of the semester, when the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) canceled the state basketball tournament, and when hand sanitizer sold out, it hit me—This coronavirus is real.
This article will likely be old news by the time it is published because I’m writing on Sunday, March 15, the day after Sterling High School Boy’s could have or should have won the state title. Whatever, I’m going to shout, “Our Tigers are champions.”
I haven’t been to Colorado to watch my grandson’s 2020 basketball games, but thanks to Sterling’s Hometown Radio Stations, KPMX 105.7, and 1230 AM FOX SPORTS, with earbuds in place, and the La-Z-Boy up, I was in every gym. Kudos to the announcers who delivered exciting entertainment with second to second descriptive knowledge.
Coach Holloway, who I have not met, during the radio interviews, came across as kind, calm, and someone who graciously accepts the seriousness of molding young people. Coaches have immense influence, and I thank him for honoring the responsibility.
Even though there was no basketball to watch, I am in Sterling on this Sunday morning. It is eerie to see empty church parking lots, few cars on the streets, and the lack of noise. It is more like being in the country, except there, one would see cows grazing and hear dogs barking.
Feeling a few imaginary symptoms, failing at not touching my face, and wondering what I’m going to do all day, all week, and maybe all month is a daunting reality. Unread books on my shelves are calling to me. It is also a humbling feeling to know I am in the age group of the most vulnerable. How and when did that happen?
National precautions seem a little extreme, but what do I know? I get why substantial decisions are necessary—preparing for the worse scenario while reducing risk is our best defense. If the crisis passes and life resumes normalcy sooner than later, we can negatively say, “That was stupid, I knew it wouldn’t amount to anything,” or feel gratitude and say, “Thank goodness, it didn’t amount to anything.” I agree with the idea of “Error on the side of safety.”
Since coronavirus joined our vocabulary, we likely have health and financial worries, are stuck in the house, don’t know when schools will reopen, are working from home, and sense a future of instability. Fear invades our security.
Whatever IT is, we can do it. Start a puzzle, pull out board games, clean the garage, write your story, text and call friends, relax. Most of us have never starved. As we enter this unknown time, keep perspective in your thoughts, and do your part.
Closing with a quote traced back to Persian Sufi poets, “This too shall pass.”
Until the next time: Live while you live.
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Yes, to quote you “This too shall pass”. I said to Paul my husband this is ok. We can just stay home thru this because we have each other so we won’t get lonely. I do feel badly for the people that are alone in a house. Wish there was something we could do for them. Hopefully they have a phone and/or computer to keep in touch with friends, Hope to see you soon! And that will happen!
Hi Geri. I too worry about the elderly who live alone. Many of them don’t have a computer, so I fear they are lonely and scared. Their days must be so confusing. Your compassion for others is admirable. Sending a virtual hug.
Thanks Jennifer. Yes, these days I spend in my art room working on a gourd and the rest of the time reading. Love doing both. And we are totally ‘stuck’ in our home because Paul has Pulmonary Fibrosis. Even if I go out and catch it and he gets it from me, Paul is no longer!
Beautiful sentiment as always
Anita, thank you. I hope all is well in your world:)
Thanks for sharing! Our lives have certainly been altered for now, but opportunities also have been opened.
So true, Marva. I need to focus on those opportunities. I have the opportunity to read, write, paint, rest, and watch Hallmark movies.