Nancy

74

06/03/2020

Raquette Lake, New York

On March 10th I had lunch with five high school class ages and that was my last social interaction. I was staying in a zip code with over 400 diagnosed cases, second death in NYS and within sight of a hospital testing tent and hospital where deaths were surely occurring. I was terrified because I could not see, hear, smell or touch 'the enemy' and my DNA did not equip me to defend and protect myself.

Most importantly my usual 8 international flights per year for the past 50 years are terminated indefinitely. My friends have been a great deal more communicative by phone and email, making me fell much less alone than in the past few years. Also the quality of communication is more heartfelt and therefore warming.

I feel stiff because my best method of exercise, in a warm water swimming pool (for arthritis) is not available. Mentally I feel pretty good as I have developed many strategies over the years of living independently. I set goals and work toward them slowly but consistently. Having the internet is critical, also the ability to read and freedom to move around the community in my car although I typically only go out for food.

People seem rather docile, accepting although impatient. Young people and some middle aged persons are oblivious to their potential danger to a person of my age and health characteristics. While churches seem to be ready to move online my library is dead in the water, not interested in providing any services, especially since attending by 'appointment' would be possible, even if a librarian was not present, service could be done electronically remotely.

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I rely upon internet for email and Skype as before. I attend meetings as before and now even church! My cell phone is filled with rubbish and used only for outgoing emergency calls. I do not participate in social media for reasons of personal security and privacy

I am turning 75 this year and had planned a whole series of get togethers in different locations, different combinations of family and friends. All are now postponed until I have been vaccinated and can move about safely. If I stay alive it is only a change of date!

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I keep a wide range of professional, community and social contacts by phone or internet and continue my watchdog role with various entities. My 'contributions' are somewhat less objectionable to entities.

Thank God, only one young man healthcare provider who contracted but recovered and returned to work 48 hours after cleared.

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How quickly it could spread without being detected.

Always imagine the day you are living could be your last or that of someone else. Conduct yourself accordingly. Rather than live in fear of the future do whatever is within your capacity to inform yourself for self protection and select leaders who are capable and willing to actually lead the group in informed, responsible behavior. Consult, respect and follow expert advise.

We will know what 'scarcity' looks and feels like and recognize how much fluff has crept into our daily, weekly, monthly, annual lives. We will choose more carefully and savor more fully.

I wish it did not take the massive, quick loss of life to bring us closer to our senses of the worth of every human life, not just to their loved ones but to the entire social fabric. We will feel these losses in the years to come and must step forward for those who could benefit from a 'substitute', however imperfect, that would like to make life easier for those in need. We could do better at creating a 'matching' between those willing to give and those needing a buddy, short or long term.

Nancy

Southern Adirondack Library System

English

Covid History

11662593621