Another brilliantly sunny day stretches before us. Grateful we are not trapped inside. We plan to go out and keep our distance from others at parks, at the beach, on close-by nature trails this week.
Last night after our family movie (we've seen both Frozens and are working our way through the three Madagascars) Jon and I turned on Rachel Maddow to get caught up. Within 10 minutes my stomach was in knots, my breathing shallow, my heart pounding -- familiar anxiety response. I watched the whole show and went to bed short of breath. Lesson: I may not be able to take in so much of this news of the virus. It is too upsetting; too terrifying. It is a horror story unfolding and I cannot help but see me and those I love in starring roles.
Son Two got home from London on Monday, where he and friends went for what was supposed to be a fabulous pre-wedding trip (enhanced "bachelor party") to watch favorite soccer teams play in their home stadiums. All matches were cancelled and while he says they had a good time, the trip was obviously overshadowed by the impending shut down and travel restrictions due to the spreading virus. They were inundated by calls and texts from worried state-siders (including me), creating even more frustration. I backed off, but I'm glad he's home. He returned with some congestion and a cough, but no fever. After talking to his doctor they determined it's probably a head cold.
Every sniffle seems cause for concern these days and harder to just brush off as 'nothing'. I hate being on high alert. I hate being afraid for, and of, my own family. I feel deep grief for all the ways we have had to adjust to this temporary new normal.
But I also notice all the ways in which people are helping each other -- post after post of positive, uplifting messages and examples of people helping others. So there's that.
We are a little family of four this week with our granddaughters. We have kept our distance even when on our nature outings. I watch closely; I double we've come within 10 feet of another person. Everyone is aware.
NIGHT THOUGHTS: Another beautiful day of gratitude for our health; our family; our granddaughters with us.
Keeping those in our thoughts who are less fortunate and for those working so hard to help the sick. I stayed away from media today for the most part, being in the moment of my own life, and knowing I am so blessed.
We spent a lot of time outdoors today, breathing fresh air, keeping our distance from other people, but smiling a hello to those very few we met along the trail.
Got to video chat with Son One and Beautiful DIL today from London. They stayed an extra week after the "guy trip". I worry about them, but they are having a good time and so far all is well for them. They do notice changes there and will find a new world in the U.S. when they return.
Tonight we watched the live action version of Disneys' Aladdin. I absolutely loved it. The colors, the costumes, sets, story. I loved the animated version when my boys were little too; even bought the soundtrack and discovered I remembered all the words as I sang along to the movie tonight. A joyful respite from the current state of the world.
At least, that's the view from here...©
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