The world as we know it has been turned on its head. Most people are working remotely, or not able to work at all. Education is being done remotely, or in some cases, not at all. Businesses deemed non-essential are closed in Pennsylvania and in other states. Sick or not, people essentially are quarantined in their homes, to try to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. Things are bleak right now, in many ways.
But those of you who know me know that I am a silver lining person. I always try to find the good in any situation. While I don’t always succeed, I do try. I’ve seen a lot of good emerging over the past two weeks, and that’s what I’m choosing as my focus.
I see people being more courteous, thoughtful and caring toward one another. People are reaching out, by phone, email, text, Messenger, Zoom, social media and in other ways to check in on people. I’m doing it, and I see others around me doing it as well. This is heartening. It shows that people really do care about one another.
There may be selfish hoarders out there making things difficult for the rest of us, but there also are people who are sharing their surplus with those who are in need.
We may not be able to gather in person right now, but we are finding ways to keep connected socially while practicing physical distancing. Instead of meeting on Wednesday morning at the Corner Room, our Bible Study group has begun to meet via Zoom. Both Calvary church services and Catholic Mass are being delivered via technology, so we can still “attend” both church services. Now, more than ever, I want to remain connected to God and to my faith communities, and technology is making that possible.
We also are socializing, while practicing physical distancing. Last night, John and I joined a Zoom happy hour with friends who typically gather on Friday evening to socialize and enjoy local music. We logged into the “Zoom Winery” around 5:30 p.m. and I figured we would stay for about an hour. Four hours later, we marveled at the time as we said good night and logged out. In those four hours, we ate dinner, enjoyed the laughter and the company of friends, and even were entertained by local musicians who played a few songs for us. It was a very uplifting evening, and I was surprised when I realized how long we all had been together – time indeed did fly while we were having fun.
One thing that struck me during that Zoom gathering was how different – in a good way – the conversation was. Typically, when a large group of people gathers, people mostly interact with those seated near them, and there are many side conversations. You can spend hours together, and leave without having said more than “hello” and “good night” to some of the other people in your group who were not seated near you.
But when you all are on a Zoom call together, there are no side conversations. One person speaks at a time, and everyone is involved in the conversation. You get to socialize with everyone at once, and everyone’s voice is heard. It was a wonderful revelation to me. I also enjoyed “meeting” people’s pets. It was a wonderful gathering. While I can’t wait to see these people again in person, until that can happen safely, I’m looking forward to interacting with them at next Friday’s “Zoom Winery” happy hour.
Another positive is playing out as well. My Dad is 83 and lives alone, 200 miles from me. He has wonderful neighbors who have checked in on him and made grocery runs for him, and we are so very grateful for that. I call him every day, to check on him and stay connected to him. He tells me about sitting at his front door, “watching the world go by.” He sees people walking their dogs, people out for runs, and parents taking their children for walks.
John and I have seen that in our neighborhood, too. Parents and children are going out for walks together – something I don’t think I’ve seen for a long time. This physical distancing, closing of nonessential businesses and cancelation of virtually all extra-curricular activities means families have more time together with less to do in terms of running from activity to activity – and at least some of them are using that time to do things together, such as taking family walks. It’s wonderful to see.
So, while I’m saddened about the havoc wreaked by COVID-19, and am angered at and frustrated by those who disregard everyone’s safety by ignoring the call for physical distancing to flatten the curve, I am encouraged by the positive things I’m seeing. I hope once the danger has subsided, our “new normal” includes some of the good things I’m seeing right now.
Peace to you all. Stay safe and healthy. I care.