A lot of people would say that where I live is the middle of nowhere. They're wrong, of course. In fact, this town has easy access to NYC, Boston, Albany, and other places. The town of Lakeville might not be big enough to have a grocery store, but the location allows its residents to feel isolated from the rest of the world, which seems pretty terrific right now. (I'm writing this post during my spring vacation, in mid-March, 2020. If Covid-19 is all sorted out by the time these words post, I'll be so happy to have my ideas be irrelevant. So, so happy.)
This morning, I walked the dog on our usual route, down to the lake and around campus. I didn't pass another human. I did see the spring sailing teams' boats all lined up and ready to go. The image, shown above, led me to a lot of thoughts. First, we have an amazing grounds crew. As teachers and students take a break, our school's staff is still hard at work. In fact, they're harder at work because in addition to moving boats and all of their regular work, they're sanitizing everything.
Second, this virus may affect a lot more people in more ways than we know now. In addition to its grave consequences for older and infirm people, the virus will affect the young and healthy. Life, as we all know it, might take a turn.
Third, we're ready for a lot of things, but we're not ready for whatever this will become. We have some immunities built up to protect us from some of the diseases that have swept the world. People invented vaccines to save us from other dangers. (Don't get me started on anti-vaxers-- and this link's diagram is nicer than I feel!) If we can, we save money for retirement and our children's educations and groceries. We keep spare rolls of wrapping paper ready for any gift emergencies. In short, we try, more or less, to live by the BoyScouts' motto, Be Prepared.
BUT this virus is new. We have no shield, no sword, no shot to battle this pandemic. The only way we can slow it down is to keep ourselves separated from people who might have it. I don't think the question is IF many will contract this disease; the question is WHEN. But IF we can stay away from others long enough to slow the number of new cases arriving in hospitals every day, then we can give the hospitals a chance to restock supplies, figure out best treatments, and take care of the ill. IF we can stay away from each other, our best scientific minds can work on vaccines and cures.
So, if you're not taking social distancing and social isolation seriously, please do. If you are staying home, what fun games/activities have you come up with? Please write about them in the comments.
Social isolation has led me to connect more than usual via email, or even written notes, to friends and acquaintances. Conversely, friends and acquaintances with whom I/we often have less frequent contact have done the same for us. Our family ties have become stronger. I am realizing even more that human connections are the essence of living. When once again we can do so, I hope I will keep that in mind and continue to reach out to others. It is too easy for me to bury myself at my desk.
Hi Jean, It’s great to hear from you, and I totally agree. I organized a Zoom HS reunion — and it’s not even the right year for my class! I’ve enjoyed social connection during physical isolation. I think of how lucky we are to have so many ways to connect through technology. What must the flu in 1918 have been like? I don’t want to imagine the loneliness. Take care, Carita