37 Days.
I’ve been in quarantine with my family for thirty-seven days. To keep that in perspective, Anne Frank was in hiding over seven hundred days in order to avoid the Nazis and then lost her life when she was discovered. I not only have nothing to whine about, but I need to remember the relative comfort with which I’ve been afforded as I stay home to try and flatten the curve for the greater good. Perspective.
Sigh.
And still, this is nothing like I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. I was born after the Vietnam War, so the closest I’ve ever come to cataclysmic events in the United State were two Iraq Wars, the “Hanging Chad” of a US Presidential Election, 9-11, and the housing bust and subsequent economic events of 2008. My experience has been sheltered and privileged. I have nothing to whine about.
And yet, I’m sure I can find crap to whine about.
I have less time now. Not true. We all have twenty-four hours. I’m just having to figure out how to redesign it within a new framework.
I find my mind drifting more than it did. I’m a pretty focused and goal-oriented person. Since I’ve been at home for the quarantine, I sometimes lay down on the floor and stare up at the ceiling. Empty. What’s with that?
I miss the option. I’m an introvert by nature, and being home has always been easy. I didn’t go to many places by choice, but you know what was nice - the choice to do it. I don’t think I will take that for granted again.
But there seems to be more to be positive about.
Being with my family. Sure. There are probably times I’d like to screech and yell at them like a witch whose broom was stolen. But with older children, I haven’t had the opportunity to be with them and my husband like this since they were little.
Some Good News. Serious have you not watched this? John Krasinsky is magical and I am hooked. Every week, I find myself moved by the beauty of the human race. The way we have moved toward one another.
Being a witness to human ingenuity in the face of adversity. That always gets me going, and maybe is rooted in listening to the stories of my grandfather as a member of The Greatest Generation.
Learning to be more purposeful with my time.
Using what’s in the cupboard instead of going out to get stuff. Learning to be more resourceful.
Sewing masks (by hand because my stupid sewing machine broke), and witnessing the movement. It reminds me of stories about “Victory Gardens” for some reason.
Laughter and finding ways to make sure to keep it at the front of our hearts.
ESPN releasing “The Last Dance” early! Michael Jordan is King!
I’m sure I could keep going, but maybe you have something to share. Drop it in the comments below.