Our youngest son came by to borrow the truck yesterday. We haven’t seen him since this ‘shelter at home’ started. His wife is a nurse and works in the Infectious Disease department at a local hospital. Yes, she is definitely on the front lines.
Since DH and I are apparently at the vulnerable age... and DH is going through radiation, they have been keeping their distance for safety sake. We talk, text, and Skype... but I miss the company, hugs, and dinners together.
What really hit me was when our son came to the door masked... as I was... and we both social distanced. But this was MY SON and I couldn’t hug him hello. I understand and accept it... but it made the seriousness of this pandemic hit home in an even bigger way.
Our oldest grandson lives here with us, but our other children and grandchildren live further away. Of course they’re also sheltering at home for the most part. Oldest son and his wife work in a hospital in Hawaii (yes, front lines again). Daughter and her family live in the hill country so they are away from city crowds, but do work in essential businesses. We all talk and text a lot and everyone checks in on everyone... but still there's that underlining buzz of worry (us for them and them for us).
We all try to act that everything is fine... and although it's really not, at least it's bearable for those of us that have food, shelter, and are luckily not alone. And truthfully, I'm willing to continue this sheltering and social distancing forever if it means not losing any of the ones I love to this virus.
But I also know that the situation is complicated... and unprecedented.... and everyone is trying to find their way. Guess we can only hang in there and hope that common sense and medical expertise will win out.
Someone had this on their blog not too long ago (sorry I forgot who), and I liked it. Facing this pandemic together through blogging as well as all the other technological wonders makes it more bear-able (no pun intended).
And again, thanks for reading. I appreciate your being there more than you know.
Hugs,
Rian
What a charming bunny and bear illustration. I feel the same way you do, I am in the vulnerable age group and haven't been in a store for 6 weeks. I am a quiet person and need a lot of me time, but oh how I miss being around people. This is like an endurance race. I am relying on these words: "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
ReplyDeleteIt will require 'endurance' I'm sure, Terra. Hope we can all be strong enough to get through it all. I like that you need a lot of 'me' time. I feel that way too... but still we need our peeps.
Deleteeven if others go back to work, I doubt we'll go back to our usual for a good long time, I am glad I have a few places to go for solace like your blog and phone calls to keep me going; and I am not a person who ever went much of anywhere at all, but the idea that others are suffering gets me the most nowadays, be well.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Linda. DH and I will be wearing masks and social distancing for a while yet... and will probably continue to order curb-side pickup for groceries - at least through the summer - and maybe more.
DeleteSpecial thanks to your daughter and her family. On the upside, our grandson who now only sees us on the screen via Facetime or Zoom, now thinks we are TV stars!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom. We do worry, but are proud of them too. That idea that you're now TV stars is funny... but I can see that.
DeleteI am going for a walk in the woods and maybe in light rain as well today. I've got a friend who never misses a chance to be outdoors and she's talked me into going with her. It will do me good. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a nice walk, DJan. Nature is a great healer.
DeleteYou can be proud of your family in the midst of things. We owe so much to them and all those on the front lines. I can remember when the thought of 2 weeks isolated seemed an eternity but as it has morphed into months, I think most of us are adjusting. I am just grateful that I don't have a family depending on me for food and shelter. Just hope we take the reemergence slowly enough.
ReplyDeleteThat's my concern, Patti. We need to hang in there and do this 'opening up' very slowly or we'll lose everything we've gained.
DeleteI agree, a video chat or texting just isn't the same. I hope it will be sooner rather than later that we can share hugs again.
ReplyDeleteTake care and stay well!
I think people need to 'touch'... and that's why we miss hugs. I will continue to wear a mask and social distance for a while yet, but if any sort of normalcy returns, I want to hug my kids and grandkids!
DeleteWoW..you have a lot of care givers/special people in your family!! i am vulnerable, i am scared at times...i can really relate to the poster!!
ReplyDeletemy one son checks in every other day, my other son is more distant. i text him and he is not quick to reply!! it is nice to see their faces, even if they are wearing masks!!
i self isolated in early march, i knew i needed to. i am ok with it, i love being home, i have a lot of hobbies!! take care of you and the husband!!
Debbie, I think you have a wonderful place to self-isolate. This whole situation is scary to think about... almost unbelievable. But fear is the enemy as much as the virus. We can't let fear take over our lives. I think if we follow common sense and medical advice, we just might make it through this... a day at a time.
Deleteagreed!! thanks!!!
DeleteI can't wait until this situation is over.
ReplyDeleteI know, John. We all do...
DeleteHubby and I are planning how we can travel and visit our sons and their families. Phone, text and FaceTime are just not enough. We are thinking about an outdoor setting, social distancing and a picnic meal. But they are worried as we are in the elder at risk category.
ReplyDeleteI understand, but I would be worried too. Maybe waiting a bit longer for the wave to level out more?
DeleteEven introverts are getting edgy, myself included. It's not so much being at home but just knowing that you can't go out anywhere other than for a walk. I love being at home, doing my own little stuff and fortunately have a large yard and many garden beds to be cleaning up and planting in so that is a great help. The trillium count is up to 28 today. Every day a trillium count and often a couple of new ones appear. Happens every spring but this spring it's especially needed.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to having "all this" over with but, like you, worry that reopening will happen too soon and then we will be back if not to square one very near there.
It's not going to just 'go away'... apparently people could be carrying it and possibly passing it on for as much as 14 - 30 days (or at least that's what I read). Best be safe and endure for a while longer.
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