Happy Easter 2020

If you are all dressed up this Easter and have nowhere to go, then you too are experiencing the coronavirus blues. Even though social distancing has forced us to celebrate differently, this didn’t stop Jessie from enjoying tea with a few of her oldest friends.

For us, this is a day of mixed emotions. As we celebrate Easter, we also mourn the loss of my mother and Jessie’s dog Ginger who both passed on this day, five years ago. Though they are not with us, their memory always will be and that is what we focus on. No one is spared. We all experience grief and we don’t get to choose what or when, however, this year it seems like it can’t get much worse.

After a month of social distancing and isolation, if we haven’t gotten sick, we probably have been passed over. At some point, we all need to venture out. If we don’t let go of fear, the suffering will be far greater. I’m concerned about people like our hairdresser who also has a second job as a waitress. How can she survive not working for a month or more? The models that restaurants operate from are based on how many tables they turn over. If we don’t venture out how many of the 650,000 restaurants will close their doors? How many jobs will suddenly be lost with them? Does this mean that the brick and mortar stores can no longer operate? Are we to order all our clothes online? I don’t know about you but I want to feel the material and try the clothes on that I purchase. This may not seem very important but it is to the people that work these jobs. It’s unrealistic to expect the government to support the whole country. Let me remind you to do the math. Even though this virus is one of the worst we’ve experienced, living in bubble wrap isn’t the long term solution either.

We may have not exactly lived off the grid but it feels like we have and for the most part, I think we have benefitted from it. Without the noise and distractions, this has allowed us to recenter our family and we have found ways to entertain ourselves, as well as, making do with what we have. The few times I’ve gone to the market, it’s been a positive experience, however, I’m disappointed when seeing latex gloves strewn all over the parking lot. There are convenient wastebaskets but apparently, some people only think of themselves. These same people that worry about getting sick probably don’t have the same regard for others. In times like this, we see the best and we see the worst in people.

Okay, this was supposed to be an upbeat, positive post. I digressed. I guess all I want is for people to have consideration and use common sense. If you are at risk and are afraid of venturing out, stay home and let others get back to work. Of course, if you have been exposed, self-quarantine and stay home.