That sounds so weird, I can’t even begin to describe how difficult it is for my brain to rewire itself to this “new normal” and to find ways to act accordingly. I huddle and cuddle when I like someone. But when it comes to COVID-19, personal closeness translates into staying at least 6 feet away from others.
Yes, keeping physical distance is not uncaring, selfish, or a sign of rejection anymore. To the contrary, it is the responsible thing to do if we want to protect the most vulnerable among us because at the moment keeping distance is all we have to stop this virus from spreading. To make matters worse we can be carriers even if we don’t have any symptoms.
I am surprised how handicapped I feel even though I am equipped with some extra “adjustment” time. I have family and friends in Germany and Spain and their experience puts me a little ahead of the game. Because where the US is right now Europe has already been. And where Europe is now the US soon might be. The German government banned public gatherings of more than two people. That is just short of confining everyone to their homes, like in Spain. My friend has been on lockdown for I don’t know how long with the worst still ahead of them.
The US recently climbed to 3rd place with its total number of cases. I don’t want to contribute to that – neither as a carrier nor as a case. And yet, since I am still working, I am more likely to become both. I am not ignoring the Governor’s stay-at-home order. My job contributes to the “protection of the critical infrastructure.” (Doesn’t that sound so much better than saying “we provide take-out” … LOL.)
So, I try to be careful, observant and considerate without losing my calm and composure. And yet, I have to admit, sometimes I don’t know where “doing the right thing” ends and “being paranoid” starts. Like when my dog Sherman cries to see his four-pawed and two-footed friends. It breaks my heart to deny him running up to them. But I don’t know if it is still safe for neighbors to pet him. Can the virus live in his fur like it can on plastic, steel and cardboard? Given the unknowns about this disease, I usually choose the conservative approach and hold him back.
And so I struggle, not knowing how to be human and “super human” at the same time, trying to find a way to keep the virus but not the people around me at bay.
I am telling you, I can’t wait for the day when feeling close means being close again because having it any other way just makes me super sad and confused.
Sending everyone lots of warmth,
Brigitte Schneider
aka Ms. A Little Bit Sad Right Now
Copyright © 2020, Brigitte Schneider. If you wish to quote text from this article contact the author by leaving a comment.
Oh dear Brigette don’t let it get you down.
Your very fortunate to have your husband and Sherman. I’m sure it’s a little scary to still be working. Calli and I miss your visits.
We’ll see you soon.👍🤗🐾