Sitting on the sofa under my soft fleecy blanket, safe in my bubble, I read the latest news and discover that a second wave of covid-19 is about to hit our state. Or maybe a first wave. Could what we have already experienced be nothing compared to what is to come?
My eyes skim my iPad screen, flitting from headline to headline, and then they stop on the name of a local town. I press the link, and a page opens revealing a photo of a familiar supermarket. Covid-19 has arrived at the place where we shop. But I don’t need to panic. It’s okay. We’re perfectly safe. The supermarket was deep cleaned overnight.
Deep cleaning? What does that involve? Is every can taken off the shelf and wiped?
Imogen and Gemma-Rose appear. As they’re putting on their shoes and coats, getting ready to leave for work, I say, “Keep safe!” They are silly words. What extra precautions can my daughters take as they stand on their side of the cafe counter handing over coffee and cake to people who have come from who knows where?
Yesterday, I drove to the village where Imogen and Sophie work to deliver something they’d forgotten. I parked the car and then ran along the footpath to the cafe, threading my way through the rain and the tourists. As I arrived, the cafe door opened, and a group of people emerged. Before I could step back, one of the women coughed in my face.
I want to avoid everyone, stay away. I yearn for contact, a touch on the arm, a tight hug, a kiss.
I don’t want my family exposed to the virus. I want them to work.
Two weeks, they said. We’ll soon have this under control.
Three months.
Six months.
Will it all be over by Christmas?
Who could have predicted that one tiny virus would do so much damage to the world, bringing fear and death and suspicion, separating us from one another, creating division?
A novelist?
Or the devil? Is he laughing?
I want to stay at home in my safe bubble, not emerge until this is over. ”I’m not going out until the world gets back to normal,” I announce.
Raised eyebrows.
”Yes, I know I said that back in March. But this time, I mean it.”
Despite wanting to opt out of this changed world, I know I will indeed venture out of our house. I have to adapt, keep living life, have faith that things will be okay.
Because the devil won’t have the last laugh. The sun will shine again.
I have hope.
Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash
Sue, Do not be afraid. God knew all of this would happen, and He will only allow what will happen if it is what is best for us, individually and collectively. I am trying to not be fearful if only for my children’s peace of mind. Taking this life one day at a time is not something I have ever been good at, but I am getting lots of practice now! We have today. It looks like you are doing a beautiful job of living today to the fullest! I love the photo of the rosary.
Staci,
Thank you for the reminder that nothing happens unless God allows it. Yes, He is in control of our lives. That’s a comforting thought. Things will be okay. I remember you when I’m praying my Rosary. May God bless you and keep you safe. xx
I am praying for you, that you might find peace and joy in all beautiful little everyday things. Here in Europe the second wave seems to be less dangerous, then the first one was. I am more relaxed now, then I was in the beginning of the first wave. Yes, there are so many insecurities about it all, but the situation here also, at least for now, looks much better then the like worst-case-scenario.
We have visited my parents-in-law and I am so glad that we went there. It was beautiful to watch grandparents and grandchildren together and enjoy few lovely days.
It is good to limit how much news we watch and how much of our time and energy we want to devote to covid situation.
How is your running going? At which age did you start running and how did you start? If you have a blog post about it, please leave me the link, I would like to read it.
Big safe hug for you! Luana
Luana,
It’s so good to hear that things are improving in your country and you were able to spend time with your extended family. That makes me smile!
Limiting news exposure is a good suggestion. I was doing that until the virus arrived close to home. Searching daily for new details isn’t helping.
I used to run when I was in my twenties, and then we had children, and somehow I never found time for running. Over the years, I’ve done other kinds of exercise, but I was 50 before I decided I wanted to run again. Here’s a link to a post that tells that story:
https://www.storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com/encouraging-each-other-to-do-difficult-things/
Thank you for your prayers and hugs. I’m so grateful for them. I’m praying for you and your family too. xx
Thank you for the link about your running-start, it is a great story! I remember feeling so excited and inspired every time, when I read about your running experiences on your old blog. I didn`t need to run, I already felt all new and refreshed after reading your blog post 😉
I am glad to hear that you have startet at 50. So, there`s still hope for me. I love the idea and feeling of running (it is a long time ago, since I had that experience), but I don`t seem able to find time and energy to start. Still, it is good to keep that dream, maybe one lovely day I can start with my children.
Did you worry about the proper technique of running (for you and your children)? I may have read too many books about running and wonder if we can simply start, without someone teaching us proper technique.
Luana,
Running is better than reading about it. Well, not at first. At the beginning, it’s awful. But later, all the effort is worth it. Oh yes, simply start running. You don’t need to learn the proper technique from a book. Just buy some good shoes, go slowly at first, and you’ll be okay. I neglected to buy proper shoes and ended up with a knee injury. And run on grass or a track if possible instead of a concrete path. If you have any problems, then consult your book!